Al-Qur’an: The Miracle Al-Qur’an: The Miracle of Miraclesof Miracles

By By

Ahmed DeedatAhmed Deedat

CHAPTER ONECHAPTER ONE

A standing challengeA standing challenge

""SAY: IF THE WHOLE OF MANKIND SAY: IF THE WHOLE OF MANKIND AND JINNS WERE TO GATHER AND JINNS WERE TO GATHER

TOGETHER TO PRODUCE THE LIKE TOGETHER TO PRODUCE THE LIKE OF THIS QUR’AN, THEY COULD OF THIS QUR’AN, THEY COULD

NOT PRODUCE THE LIKE NOT PRODUCE THE LIKE THEREOF, EVEN IF THEY BACKED THEREOF, EVEN IF THEY BACKED UP EACH OTHER WITH HELP AND UP EACH OTHER WITH HELP AND

SUPPORT."SUPPORT."

Jinns –Jinns – "I think from a collation and "I think from a collation and study of the Qur'anic passages, study of the Qur'anic passages,

that the meaning is simply that the meaning is simply a a spirit, or an invisible spirit, or an invisible or or

hidden force". hidden force".

A Yusuf Ali. Obtain his text, A Yusuf Ali. Obtain his text, translation and commentary from translation and commentary from

the IPCI. the IPCI.

In his INDEX under In his INDEX under "Jinns""Jinns" he he gives five Qur'anic references and gives five Qur'anic references and as many annotations on the as many annotations on the subject. subject.

WHAT IS A MIRACLE?WHAT IS A MIRACLE?

"An event that appears so "An event that appears so Inexplicable by the laws of Inexplicable by the laws of nature, that it is held to be nature, that it is held to be supernatural in origin or an supernatural in origin or an

act of God."act of God."

"A person, thing or event that "A person, thing or event that excites admiring awe".excites admiring awe".

"An act beyond human power, "An act beyond human power, an impossibility.“an impossibility.“

It is logical that the greater the It is logical that the greater the impossibility, the greater is the impossibility, the greater is the miracle.miracle.

For example, should a person For example, should a person expire before our very eyes and is expire before our very eyes and is certified dead by a qualified certified dead by a qualified medical man, yet later on a mystic medical man, yet later on a mystic or a saint commands the corpse to or a saint commands the corpse to 'arise!'; and to everybody's 'arise!'; and to everybody's astonishment the person gets up astonishment the person gets up and walks away, we would label and walks away, we would label that as a miracle. that as a miracle.

But if the resurrection of the dead But if the resurrection of the dead took place after the corpse had took place after the corpse had been in the mortuary for three been in the mortuary for three days, then we would acclaim this days, then we would acclaim this as a greater miracle. as a greater miracle.

And if the dead was made to arise And if the dead was made to arise from the grave, decades or from the grave, decades or centuries after the body had been centuries after the body had been decomposed and rotted away, decomposed and rotted away, then in that case we would label it then in that case we would label it the greatest miracle of them all! the greatest miracle of them all!

A COMMON TRAITA COMMON TRAIT

It has been a common trait of It has been a common trait of mankind since time immemorial mankind since time immemorial that whenever a Guide from God that whenever a Guide from God appeared to redirect their steps appeared to redirect their steps into the Will and Plan of God, they into the Will and Plan of God, they demanded supernatural proofs demanded supernatural proofs from these men of God; instead of from these men of God; instead of accepting the Message on its merit.accepting the Message on its merit.

For example, when Jesus Christ (PBUH) For example, when Jesus Christ (PBUH) began to preach to his people – "The began to preach to his people – "The Children of Israel" – to mend their ways Children of Israel" – to mend their ways and to refrain from mere legalistic and to refrain from mere legalistic formalism and imbibe the true spirit of formalism and imbibe the true spirit of the Laws and Commandments of God, the Laws and Commandments of God, his "people" demanded Miracles from his "people" demanded Miracles from him to prove his him to prove his bona fides bona fides [his [his authenticity, his genuineness.]authenticity, his genuineness.],, as as recorded in the Christian Scriptures: recorded in the Christian Scriptures:

Then certain of the Scribes and the Then certain of the Scribes and the Pharisees answered, saying Master, Pharisees answered, saying Master, we would have a SIGN we would have a SIGN (Miracle)(Miracle) from from thee.thee.

But he answered and said unto them, But he answered and said unto them, "An evil and adulterous generation "An evil and adulterous generation seeketh after a SIGN seeketh after a SIGN (Miracle) (Miracle) and and there shall no SIGN there shall no SIGN (Miracle)(Miracle) be be given to it, but the SIGN given to it, but the SIGN (Miracle)(Miracle) of of the Prophet Jonas: " the Prophet Jonas: " (Emphasis (Emphasis added)added)

(Holy Bible)(Holy Bible) Matthew 12:38-39 Matthew 12:38-39

Though on the face of it, Jesus Though on the face of it, Jesus (PBUH) refuses to pamper the (PBUH) refuses to pamper the

Jews here, in fact, he did perform Jews here, in fact, he did perform many miracles as we learn from many miracles as we learn from

the Gospel narratives.the Gospel narratives.

The Holy Bible is full of supernatural events The Holy Bible is full of supernatural events accredited to the Prophets from their Lord. accredited to the Prophets from their Lord.

In reality all those "signs" and "wonders" In reality all those "signs" and "wonders" and and "miracles" were acts of God, but since "miracles" were acts of God, but since those miracles were worked through His those miracles were worked through His human agents, we describe them as the human agents, we describe them as the Miracles of Prophets, i.e. Moses or Jesus Miracles of Prophets, i.e. Moses or Jesus (peace be upon them) by whose hands (peace be upon them) by whose hands they were performed. they were performed.

QUIRK CONTINUES QUIRK CONTINUES

Some six hundred years after Some six hundred years after the birth of Jesus Christ the birth of Jesus Christ (PBUH), Muhammad (PBUH) (PBUH), Muhammad (PBUH) the Messenger of God was the Messenger of God was born in Makkah in Arabia. born in Makkah in Arabia.

When he proclaimed his Mission at When he proclaimed his Mission at the age of forty, his fellow the age of forty, his fellow countrymen, the countrymen, the MUSHRIKSMUSHRIKS of of Makkah made an identical request Makkah made an identical request for Miracles, as had the Jews, from for Miracles, as had the Jews, from their promised Messiah. their promised Messiah.

Textbook style, it was as if the Arabs Textbook style, it was as if the Arabs had taken a leaf from the Christian had taken a leaf from the Christian records. History has a habit of records. History has a habit of repeating itself!repeating itself!

[MUSHRIK – pagans, Idol worshippers, [MUSHRIK – pagans, Idol worshippers, polytheists.] polytheists.]

““AND THEY SAY: WHY ARE NOT AND THEY SAY: WHY ARE NOT SIGNS SENT DOWN TO HIM SIGNS SENT DOWN TO HIM

FROM HIS LORD?”FROM HIS LORD?”(SURA 'ANKABUT')(SURA 'ANKABUT') Holy Qur'an 29:50 Holy Qur'an 29:50

"Signs""Signs" The Arabic word used is The Arabic word used is ''AAYAAt'AAYAAt' which literally means which literally means 'signs' and which is really more to 'signs' and which is really more to the point. The Holy Qur'an does the point. The Holy Qur'an does not mention the word not mention the word MUMU`̀JIZAHJIZAH (miracle).(miracle).

SIGNS! WHAT SIGNS?SIGNS! WHAT SIGNS?

"Miracles? Cries he, what miracles would "Miracles? Cries he, what miracles would you have? Are not you yourselves you have? Are not you yourselves

there? God made there? God made you, you, 'shaped you 'shaped you out of a little clay.' ye were small once, out of a little clay.' ye were small once,

a few years ago ye were not at all. a few years ago ye were not at all.

Ye have beauty, strength, thoughts, 'ye Ye have beauty, strength, thoughts, 'ye have compassion on one another.' old have compassion on one another.' old

age comes on you, and grey hairs; age comes on you, and grey hairs; your strength fades into feebleness; ye your strength fades into feebleness; ye

sink down, and again are not. sink down, and again are not.

''Ye have compassion on one Ye have compassion on one another'another': this struck me much: Allah : this struck me much: Allah

might have made you having no might have made you having no compassion on one another, - how had compassion on one another, - how had

it been then! This is a great direct it been then! This is a great direct thought, a glance at first-hand into the thought, a glance at first-hand into the

very fact of things.."very fact of things.."

"On Heroes and Hero-Worship and "On Heroes and Hero-Worship and the Heroic in History"the Heroic in History"

by by Thomas Carlyle Thomas Carlyle

"THIS STRUCK ME MUCH""THIS STRUCK ME MUCH"

This: that – This: that – "Ye have Compassion "Ye have Compassion on one another"on one another" impressed impressed Thomas Carlyle most from his Thomas Carlyle most from his perusal of an English translation. perusal of an English translation.

I presume, the verse that motivated I presume, the verse that motivated this sentiment is:this sentiment is:

““And among His signs is this, that And among His signs is this, that He created for you mates from He created for you mates from among yourselves, That ye may among yourselves, That ye may

dwell in TRANQUILLITY WITH dwell in TRANQUILLITY WITH THEM. and He has put love and THEM. and He has put love and mercy between your (hearts): mercy between your (hearts):

Verily in that are signs for Verily in that are signs for those who reflect.”those who reflect.”

(SURA RUM) Holy Qur'an 30:21(SURA RUM) Holy Qur'an 30:21Translation by A. Yusuf Ali. Translation by A. Yusuf Ali.

““And one of his signs it is, that And one of his signs it is, that he hath created wives for he hath created wives for you of your own species.you of your own species.

That YE MAY DWELL WITH That YE MAY DWELL WITH THEM, and hath put love and THEM, and hath put love and tenderness between you.tenderness between you.

Herein truly are signs for those Herein truly are signs for those who reflect.”who reflect.”Translation by Rev. J.M. Rodwell (M.A.)Translation by Rev. J.M. Rodwell (M.A.)

““By another sign he gave you By another sign he gave you wives from among wives from among yourselves,yourselves,

That ye might LIVE IN JOY WITH That ye might LIVE IN JOY WITH THEM, and planted love and THEM, and planted love and kindness into your hearts.kindness into your hearts.

Surely there are signs in this for Surely there are signs in this for thinking men.” thinking men.”

Translation by N.J. DawoodTranslation by N.J. Dawood

The first example is from the The first example is from the translation by A. Yusuf Ali, a translation by A. Yusuf Ali, a Muslim. Muslim.

The second is by a Christian priest The second is by a Christian priest the Rev. Rodwell the Rev. Rodwell

And the last example is by an Iraqi And the last example is by an Iraqi Jew, N.J. Dawood.Jew, N.J. Dawood.

Unfortunately Thomas Carlyle had no Unfortunately Thomas Carlyle had no access to any one of these because none access to any one of these because none of them had seen the light of day in his of them had seen the light of day in his time. The only one available to him in time. The only one available to him in 1840 was as he said on page 85 of his 1840 was as he said on page 85 of his book under reference book under reference

"We also can read the Qur’an; our "We also can read the Qur’an; our translation of it, by sale, is known to be translation of it, by sale, is known to be a a

very fair onevery fair one""

TAINT IS IN THE MOTIVETAINT IS IN THE MOTIVE

Carlyle is very charitable to his Carlyle is very charitable to his fellow countryman. fellow countryman.

The motives of George Sale who The motives of George Sale who pioneered an English Translation pioneered an English Translation of the Holy Qur'an, were suspect. of the Holy Qur'an, were suspect.

He makes no secret of his He makes no secret of his antagonism to the Holy Book of antagonism to the Holy Book of

Islam. Islam.

In his preface to his translation in In his preface to his translation in 1734 he made it known that it 1734 he made it known that it was his was his avowed intention to avowed intention to expose the man Muhammad expose the man Muhammad

and his forgeryand his forgery

He records:He records:

““Who can apprehend any danger Who can apprehend any danger from so manifest a forgery? - the from so manifest a forgery? - the

protestants alone are able to attack protestants alone are able to attack the koran with success; and for the koran with success; and for them, i trust, providence has them, i trust, providence has

reserved the glory of its overthrow".reserved the glory of its overthrow".

George Sale George Sale

And he set to work with his And he set to work with his prejudiced translation. You will be prejudiced translation. You will be able to judge how "able to judge how "fairfair" and " and scholarly George Sale was from scholarly George Sale was from the very verse which "the very verse which "StruckStruck" " (Carlyle) "(Carlyle) "much!much!" "

Compare it with the three examples Compare it with the three examples already given by a Muslim, a already given by a Muslim, a Christian and a Jew:Christian and a Jew:

““And of his signs another is, that And of his signs another is, that he had created for you, out of he had created for you, out of yourselves, wives that YE MAY yourselves, wives that YE MAY COHABIT WITH THEM, and hath COHABIT WITH THEM, and hath

put love and compassion put love and compassion between you.”between you.”

I do not think that George Sale was I do not think that George Sale was "a male chauvinist pig" of his day "a male chauvinist pig" of his day to describe our mates, wives or to describe our mates, wives or spouses as sexual objects. spouses as sexual objects.

He was only keeping to his He was only keeping to his promise, which Carlyle promise, which Carlyle overlooked. overlooked.

The Arabic word which he (Sale) The Arabic word which he (Sale) perverted is perverted is "litas-kunoo""litas-kunoo" which which means to find peace, consolation, means to find peace, consolation, composure or tranquility; and not composure or tranquility; and not "cohabit""cohabit" meaning meaning "To live "To live together in a sexual relationship together in a sexual relationship when not legally married." when not legally married."

(The Readers’ Digest Universal (The Readers’ Digest Universal Dictionary). Dictionary).

Every word of the Qur'anic text is Every word of the Qur'anic text is meticulously chosen, chiselled meticulously chosen, chiselled and placed by the All-Wise and placed by the All-Wise Himself. They carry God's "finger-Himself. They carry God's "finger-print", and are the Signs of God. print", and are the Signs of God. And yet, the spiritually jaundiced And yet, the spiritually jaundiced – –

ASK FOR A SIGNASK FOR A SIGN

What Signs?What Signs?

They mean some special kinds of They mean some special kinds of signs or miracles such as their signs or miracles such as their own foolish minds dictate. own foolish minds dictate. Everything is possible for God, Everything is possible for God, but God is not going to humour but God is not going to humour the follies of men or listen to their the follies of men or listen to their false demands. false demands.

He has sent His Messenger to He has sent His Messenger to explain His Signs clearly, and to explain His Signs clearly, and to warn them of the consequences warn them of the consequences of rejection. of rejection.

Is that not enough?Is that not enough?

The trend of their demand is generally The trend of their demand is generally as follows:as follows:

In specific terms they asked that he – In specific terms they asked that he – Muhammad (PBUH) – 'Put a ladder up Muhammad (PBUH) – 'Put a ladder up to heaven and bring down a book from to heaven and bring down a book from God in their very sight' – God in their very sight' –

"THEN WE WOULD BELIEVE,""THEN WE WOULD BELIEVE," they they said. said.

Or Or

"Ye see the mountain yonder, turn it "Ye see the mountain yonder, turn it into gold" – into gold" – THEN WE WOULD THEN WE WOULD BELIEVE."BELIEVE."

Or Or

'Make streams to gush out in the 'Make streams to gush out in the desert' – desert' – THEN WE WOULD THEN WE WOULD BELIEVE."BELIEVE."

Now listen to the soft, sweet Now listen to the soft, sweet reasoning of Muhammad (PBUH) reasoning of Muhammad (PBUH) against the unreasonable and against the unreasonable and skeptical demands of the skeptical demands of the MUSHRIKSMUSHRIKS – –

““Do I say to you, verily I am an Do I say to you, verily I am an angel? Do I say to you, verily angel? Do I say to you, verily in my hands are the treasures in my hands are the treasures of God? Only, what is revealed of God? Only, what is revealed to me do I follow."to me do I follow."

Listen further to the most dignified Listen further to the most dignified reply he is commanded by his Lord reply he is commanded by his Lord to give the Unbelievers.to give the Unbelievers.

““SAY (O MUHAMMAD): 'THE SAY (O MUHAMMAD): 'THE SIGNS (MIRACLES) ARE INDEED SIGNS (MIRACLES) ARE INDEED WITH ALLAH: AND MOST WITH ALLAH: AND MOST CERTAINLY I AM ONLY A CLEAR CERTAINLY I AM ONLY A CLEAR WARNER’"WARNER’"

(SURA 'ANKABUT)(SURA 'ANKABUT) Holy Qur'an 29:50Holy Qur'an 29:50

[English interpretation by A. Yusuf Ali][English interpretation by A. Yusuf Ali]

In the following In the following ayahayah, the Prophet is , the Prophet is made to point to the Noble Qur'an made to point to the Noble Qur'an itself as an answer to their hypocritical itself as an answer to their hypocritical demand for some special kind of demand for some special kind of ""Sign"Sign" or or "Miracle" "Miracle" for which their for which their foolish, pagan mentality craved. foolish, pagan mentality craved.

For indeed all miracles are "signs"; For indeed all miracles are "signs"; and it is their disbelief, their and it is their disbelief, their skepticism, their lack of faith skepticism, their lack of faith which motivates their request for which motivates their request for a sign. a sign.

They are asked to – 'Look at the They are asked to – 'Look at the Qur'an" and again, Qur'an" and again,

"Look at the Qur'an!""Look at the Qur'an!"

““IS IT NOT ENOUGH FOR THEM THAT IS IT NOT ENOUGH FOR THEM THAT WE HAVE SENT DOWN TO THEE (O WE HAVE SENT DOWN TO THEE (O

MUHAMMAD) THE BOOK (AL-MUHAMMAD) THE BOOK (AL-QQur'anur'an) WHICH IS REHEARSED TO ) WHICH IS REHEARSED TO

THEM? VERILY, IN IT (THIS THEM? VERILY, IN IT (THIS PERSPICUOUS BOOK) IS A MERCY PERSPICUOUS BOOK) IS A MERCY AND REMINDER TO THOSE WHO AND REMINDER TO THOSE WHO

BELIEVE.”BELIEVE.”(SURA 'ANKABUT)(SURA 'ANKABUT) Holy Qur'an 29:51Holy Qur'an 29:51

[English interpretation by A. Yusuf Ali][English interpretation by A. Yusuf Ali]

WE is a plural of respect and honor WE is a plural of respect and honor and not of numbers. and not of numbers.

In every Eastern language, In every Eastern language, including Hebrew, this is their including Hebrew, this is their method of grammar. method of grammar.

In the English Language it is called In the English Language it is called the "Royal Plural". the "Royal Plural".

TWO PROOFS TWO PROOFS

As proof of the Divine Authorship As proof of the Divine Authorship and the miraculous nature of the and the miraculous nature of the Noble Qur'an, two arguments are Noble Qur'an, two arguments are advanced by the Almighty advanced by the Almighty Himself:Himself:

1- "THAT WE"1- "THAT WE" (God Almighty) (God Almighty) have revealed to have revealed to YOU YOU (O! (O! Muhammad!) Muhammad!) "THE BOOK "THE BOOK toto YOU" YOU" who art absolutely an who art absolutely an unlearned person.unlearned person. An An "UMMI""UMMI" Prophet. One who cannot read or Prophet. One who cannot read or write. One who cannot sign his write. One who cannot sign his own name. own name.

Let Thomas Carlyle testify Let Thomas Carlyle testify regarding the educational regarding the educational qualifications of Muhammad:qualifications of Muhammad:

"One other circumstance we must "One other circumstance we must not forget: that he had no not forget: that he had no

school-learning; of the thing we school-learning; of the thing we call school-learning none at all."call school-learning none at all."

Moreover the Divine Author (God Moreover the Divine Author (God Almighty) Himself testifies to the Almighty) Himself testifies to the veracity of Muhammad's (PBUH) veracity of Muhammad's (PBUH) claim that he could never have claim that he could never have composed the contents of the composed the contents of the Noble Qur'an; he could not have Noble Qur'an; he could not have been its author:been its author:

““And thou (o muhammad) was And thou (o muhammad) was not (able) to recite a book not (able) to recite a book

before this (book came), nor art before this (book came), nor art thou (able) to transcribe it with thou (able) to transcribe it with

thy right hand: in that case thy right hand: in that case indeed, would the talkers of indeed, would the talkers of

vanities have doubted.”vanities have doubted.”(sura 'ankabut) (sura 'ankabut) Holy Qur'an 29:48Holy Qur'an 29:48

[English interpretation by A. Yusuf Ali][English interpretation by A. Yusuf Ali]

Get into the habit of learning off by Get into the habit of learning off by heart the verses in Arabic with heart the verses in Arabic with their English meanings as they their English meanings as they

occur. occur.

The Author of the Qur'an is reasoning The Author of the Qur'an is reasoning with us, that had Muhammad with us, that had Muhammad (PBUH) been a learned man, and (PBUH) been a learned man, and had he been able to read and write, had he been able to read and write, then in that case the babblers in then in that case the babblers in the market-places might have had the market-places might have had some justification to doubt his claim some justification to doubt his claim that the Noble Qur'an is God's that the Noble Qur'an is God's Word. Word.

In the event of Muhammad (PBUH) being a In the event of Muhammad (PBUH) being a literate person, the accusation of his literate person, the accusation of his enemies that he had probably copied his enemies that he had probably copied his Book (Al-Qur'an) from the writings of the Book (Al-Qur'an) from the writings of the Jews and the Christians, or that perhaps Jews and the Christians, or that perhaps he had been studying Aristotle and Plato, he had been studying Aristotle and Plato, or that he must have browsed through or that he must have browsed through the "the "Torah,Torah," the "" the "ZaburZabur" and the " and the ""InjeelInjeel" and had rehashed it all in a " and had rehashed it all in a beautiful language, might have carried beautiful language, might have carried some weight. some weight.

[[TORAH/ZABUR/INJEEL:TORAH/ZABUR/INJEEL:

These are the Arabic terms of the These are the Arabic terms of the original revelations God granted original revelations God granted Moses, David and Jesus (peace be Moses, David and Jesus (peace be upon them all) respectively]. upon them all) respectively].

Then,"THE TALKERS OF VANITIES" Then,"THE TALKERS OF VANITIES" might have had a pointmight have had a point. But . But even this flimsy pretence has even this flimsy pretence has been denied to the unbeliever been denied to the unbeliever and the cynic: a point hardly big and the cynic: a point hardly big enough to hang a fly upon! enough to hang a fly upon!

[The Bible was not translated into [The Bible was not translated into Arabic until the tenth century of Arabic until the tenth century of the Christian Era, so no Arab the Christian Era, so no Arab living before the year 1000 would living before the year 1000 would have had the opportunity to have had the opportunity to examine the written text of the examine the written text of the Bible in his own language.] Bible in his own language.]

2- "The Book? Yes, the "Book" 2- "The Book? Yes, the "Book" itself, carries its own evidence itself, carries its own evidence proving its Divine Authorship.proving its Divine Authorship.

Study the Book, from any angle.Study the Book, from any angle.

Scrutinize it. Scrutinize it.

Why not take up the Author's Why not take up the Author's challenge if your doubts are challenge if your doubts are genuine? genuine?

““Do they not consider the Do they not consider the Qur’an (with care)? Had it Qur’an (with care)? Had it

been from other than Allah, been from other than Allah, they would surely have found they would surely have found

therein much discrepancy”therein much discrepancy”(Sura Nisaa) (Sura Nisaa) Holy Qur'an 4:82Holy Qur'an 4:82

[English interpretation by A. Yusuf Ali][English interpretation by A. Yusuf Ali]

If you cannot muster enough If you cannot muster enough enthusiasm to learn the verses enthusiasm to learn the verses with their meanings, why not with their meanings, why not

hand over the Book to someone hand over the Book to someone who will make better use of it?who will make better use of it?

CONSISTENCYCONSISTENCY

It is inconceivable that any human It is inconceivable that any human author would remain consistent in author would remain consistent in his teachings and his preachings his teachings and his preachings for a period of over two decades. for a period of over two decades.

From the age of forty, when From the age of forty, when Muhammad (PBUH) received his Muhammad (PBUH) received his first call from Heaven to the age first call from Heaven to the age of sixty-three when he breathed of sixty-three when he breathed his last, for twenty-three years his last, for twenty-three years the Holy Prophet practiced and the Holy Prophet practiced and preached Islam. preached Islam.

In those twenty-three years, he In those twenty-three years, he passed through the most passed through the most conflicting vicissitudes of life. conflicting vicissitudes of life.

Any man, during the course of such Any man, during the course of such a mission, would be forced by a mission, would be forced by circumstances to make circumstances to make "honorable" compromises, and "honorable" compromises, and cannot help contradicting himself. cannot help contradicting himself.

No man can ever write the same No man can ever write the same always, as the Message of the Npble always, as the Message of the Npble Qur'an is: CONSISTENT WITH ITSELF, Qur'an is: CONSISTENT WITH ITSELF, throughout! throughout!

Or is it that the unbelievers' objections Or is it that the unbelievers' objections are merely argumentative, are merely argumentative, refractory, against their own better refractory, against their own better light and judgment? light and judgment?

Furthermore, the Noble Qur'an Furthermore, the Noble Qur'an contains or mentions many contains or mentions many matters relating to the nature of matters relating to the nature of the universe. the universe.

These were unknown to man before These were unknown to man before but subsequently through but subsequently through evolution and discoveries of evolution and discoveries of Science have fully confirmed – a Science have fully confirmed – a field where an untutored mind field where an untutored mind would have most certainly lost in would have most certainly lost in wild and contradictory wild and contradictory speculations! speculations!

SELF-EVIDENT PROOFSELF-EVIDENT PROOF

Again and again when miracles Again and again when miracles were demanded from the Prophet were demanded from the Prophet by the cynical and frivolous few, by the cynical and frivolous few, he is made to point to the Qur'an he is made to point to the Qur'an – Message from High – as "– Message from High – as "The The Miracle.Miracle." "

THE MIRACLE OF MIRACLES! And THE MIRACLE OF MIRACLES! And men of wisdom, people with men of wisdom, people with literary and spiritual insight, who literary and spiritual insight, who were honest enough to were honest enough to themselves, recognized and themselves, recognized and accepted Al-Qur'an as a genuine accepted Al-Qur'an as a genuine miracle. miracle.

The Noble Qur’an says:The Noble Qur’an says:

““Nay, here are signs self-Nay, here are signs self-evident in the hearts of those evident in the hearts of those endowed with knowledge: and endowed with knowledge: and none but the unjust reject our none but the unjust reject our

signs.”signs.”(Sura `Ankabut) (Sura `Ankabut) Holy Qur'an 29:49Holy Qur'an 29:49[English interpretation by A. Yusuf Ali][English interpretation by A. Yusuf Ali]

"Knowledge" ('ilm), means both "Knowledge" ('ilm), means both power of judgment in discerning power of judgment in discerning the value of truth and the value of truth and acquaintance with previous acquaintance with previous revelations. revelations.

It implies both literary and spiritual It implies both literary and spiritual insight. insight.

To men so endowed, God's To men so endowed, God's revelations and Signs are self-revelations and Signs are self-evident. They commend evident. They commend themselves to their hearts, minds, themselves to their hearts, minds, and understandings, which are and understandings, which are typified in Arabic by the word typified in Arabic by the word sadr, "breast".sadr, "breast".

““Reject Our Signs”:Reject Our Signs”: Now the Now the argument is carried a stage argument is carried a stage farther. Such rejection is also a farther. Such rejection is also a mark of injustice, a deliberate mark of injustice, a deliberate perversity in going against perversity in going against obvious Signs, which should obvious Signs, which should convince all honest men.convince all honest men.

CHAPTER TWOCHAPTER TWO

Science and the Science and the Qur'anic Revelations Qur'anic Revelations

UNGRUDGING TRIBUTES UNGRUDGING TRIBUTES

Today, there are in the world some Today, there are in the world some one thousand million Muslims who one thousand million Muslims who unhesitatingly accept that the unhesitatingly accept that the Noble Qur'an is the "WORD OF Noble Qur'an is the "WORD OF GOD" and that it is a "Miracle."GOD" and that it is a "Miracle."

Why should they not, when even Why should they not, when even avowed enemies are paying avowed enemies are paying unsolicited tributes regarding the unsolicited tributes regarding the miraculous nature of this Book of miraculous nature of this Book of God. God.

The Rev. R. Bosworth-Smith in his The Rev. R. Bosworth-Smith in his book "Muhammad and book "Muhammad and Muhammadanism“:Muhammadanism“:

[Now the argument is carried a stage [Now the argument is carried a stage farther. Such rejection is also a mark farther. Such rejection is also a mark of injustice, a deliberate perversity of injustice, a deliberate perversity in going against obvious Signs, in going against obvious Signs, which should convince all honest which should convince all honest men.]men.]

Opinions about the Opinions about the Qur’an:Qur’an:

"A MIRACLE OF PURITY OF STYLE, "A MIRACLE OF PURITY OF STYLE, OF WISDOM AND OF TRUTH".OF WISDOM AND OF TRUTH".

Another Englishman – A.J. Arberry, in the Another Englishman – A.J. Arberry, in the preface of his English translation of preface of his English translation of the Noble Qur'an – says:the Noble Qur'an – says:

"WHENEVER I HEAR THE QUR’AN "WHENEVER I HEAR THE QUR’AN CHANTED, IT IS AS THOUGH I AM CHANTED, IT IS AS THOUGH I AM LISTENING TO MUSIC, UNDERNEATH LISTENING TO MUSIC, UNDERNEATH THE FLOWING MELODY, THERE IS THE FLOWING MELODY, THERE IS SOUNDING ALL THE TIME THE SOUNDING ALL THE TIME THE INSISTENT BEAT OF A DRUM, IT IS INSISTENT BEAT OF A DRUM, IT IS LIKE THE BEATING OF MY HEART."LIKE THE BEATING OF MY HEART."

From these words and the rest of From these words and the rest of his preface he sounds like a his preface he sounds like a Muslim, but regretfully he died Muslim, but regretfully he died outside the pale of Islam. outside the pale of Islam.

And yet another Briton, Marmaduke And yet another Briton, Marmaduke Picktall in the foreword to his Picktall in the foreword to his translation of the Noble Qur'an, translation of the Noble Qur'an, describes it as :describes it as :

"THAT INIMITABLE SYMPHONY, "THAT INIMITABLE SYMPHONY, THE VERY SOUND OF WHICH THE VERY SOUND OF WHICH MOVE MEN TO TEARS AND MOVE MEN TO TEARS AND ECSTASY".ECSTASY".

This Author embraced Islam before This Author embraced Islam before translating the Qur'an, and we translating the Qur'an, and we are not in a position to verify are not in a position to verify whether he wrote the previous whether he wrote the previous effect before or after his effect before or after his conversion.conversion.

"NEXT TO THE BIBLE [Coming from a "NEXT TO THE BIBLE [Coming from a Christian critic of Islam, we will Christian critic of Islam, we will not take exception to his placing not take exception to his placing the Qur'an in the second the Qur'an in the second place.],IT (The Qur'an) IS THE place.],IT (The Qur'an) IS THE MOST ESTEEMED AND MOST MOST ESTEEMED AND MOST POWERFUL RELIGIOUS BOOK IN POWERFUL RELIGIOUS BOOK IN THE WORLD".THE WORLD".

J. Christy Wilson in "Introducing J. Christy Wilson in "Introducing Islam" New York 1950Islam" New York 1950

"THE QUR’AN IS THE "THE QUR’AN IS THE MUHAMMADAN BIBLE, AND IS MUHAMMADAN BIBLE, AND IS MORE REVERENCED THAN ANY MORE REVERENCED THAN ANY OTHER SACRED BOOK, MORE OTHER SACRED BOOK, MORE THAN THE JEWISH OLD THAN THE JEWISH OLD TESTAMENT OR THE CHRISTIAN TESTAMENT OR THE CHRISTIAN NEW TESTAMENT.“NEW TESTAMENT.“

J. Shillidy, D.D. in "Ihe Lord Jesus in J. Shillidy, D.D. in "Ihe Lord Jesus in the Koran" Surat 1913, p.111the Koran" Surat 1913, p.111

We can quite easily adduce a dozen We can quite easily adduce a dozen more eulogies to the above list.more eulogies to the above list.

Friends and foes alike pay Friends and foes alike pay ungrudging commendations to ungrudging commendations to the Last and Final Revelation of the Last and Final Revelation of God – the Noble Qur'an, the Sign God – the Noble Qur'an, the Sign and Miracle of God's Handiwork, and Miracle of God's Handiwork, and accepted Islam. and accepted Islam.

To all the tributes and testimonies To all the tributes and testimonies the unbeliever and the septic may the unbeliever and the septic may say that these are all subjective say that these are all subjective feelings. feelings.

He might further seek refuge in the He might further seek refuge in the pretext that he does not know pretext that he does not know Arabic. Arabic.

He is heard to say, He is heard to say, "I do not see "I do not see what you see, nor do I feel as you what you see, nor do I feel as you feel. How am I to know that God feel. How am I to know that God exists and that it is He Who exists and that it is He Who inspired His Messenger inspired His Messenger Muhammad (PBUH) with that Muhammad (PBUH) with that beautiful Message; the Qur'an?"beautiful Message; the Qur'an?"

He continues:He continues: "I am not averse to the beauty of "I am not averse to the beauty of

its philosophy, its practical ethics its philosophy, its practical ethics and high morality, I am prepared and high morality, I am prepared to concede that Muhammad to concede that Muhammad (PBUH) was a sincere man and (PBUH) was a sincere man and that he gave many beautiful that he gave many beautiful precepts for human welfare. What precepts for human welfare. What I cannot subscribe to is what you I cannot subscribe to is what you Muslims claim, "a supernatural Muslims claim, "a supernatural authority for his dicta." authority for his dicta."

REASONED LOGICREASONED LOGIC

To this kind of sympathetic, yet To this kind of sympathetic, yet skeptical mentality, the Author of skeptical mentality, the Author of the Book (Al-Qur'an) uses various the Book (Al-Qur'an) uses various types of arguments to resolve his types of arguments to resolve his doubts. doubts.

To the atheists and agnostics, the To the atheists and agnostics, the cynics and the skeptics, who have cynics and the skeptics, who have a super-abundance of scientific a super-abundance of scientific knowledge and who consider knowledge and who consider themselves to be "intellectual themselves to be "intellectual giants," the point is driven home giants," the point is driven home that they are in reality like that they are in reality like stunted "dwarfs." stunted "dwarfs."

They are like the dwarf who may They are like the dwarf who may have acquired abnormal have acquired abnormal development in any one development in any one particular direction at the particular direction at the expense of other parts of his expense of other parts of his faculty, like an oversized head on faculty, like an oversized head on a puny body, the Supreme a puny body, the Supreme Creator questions him. Creator questions him.

But before we pose God's question But before we pose God's question to him, let me satisfy my own to him, let me satisfy my own curiosity. "You men of science curiosity. "You men of science who have studied astronomy and who have studied astronomy and who study our Universe through who study our Universe through your mighty telescopes as if your mighty telescopes as if scrutinizing an object in the palm scrutinizing an object in the palm of your hand; tell me how did this of your hand; tell me how did this Universe come into being?" Universe come into being?"

This man of science though lacking This man of science though lacking in spiritual insight, is nevertheless in spiritual insight, is nevertheless most generous in sharing his most generous in sharing his knowledge. He readily responds. knowledge. He readily responds.

"Well," "Well," he begins,he begins, "Billions of years "Billions of years ago our Universe was a single ago our Universe was a single piece of matter, and there piece of matter, and there happened a "Big Bang" in the happened a "Big Bang" in the centre of that huge lump of centre of that huge lump of matter and mighty chunks of matter and mighty chunks of matter began flying in all matter began flying in all directions. directions.

Out of that "big bang" our solar Out of that "big bang" our solar system came into being as well as system came into being as well as the galaxies, and since there is no the galaxies, and since there is no resistance in space to that resistance in space to that primordial momentum generated primordial momentum generated by the initial explosion, the stars by the initial explosion, the stars and the planets swim along in and the planets swim along in their orbits." their orbits."

At this juncture, my memory tickles At this juncture, my memory tickles me – Our materialist friends me – Our materialist friends appear to have been secretly appear to have been secretly imbibing their knowledge from imbibing their knowledge from the Sura Ya-Seen: the Sura Ya-Seen:

““AND THE SUN RUNS HIS COURSE AND THE SUN RUNS HIS COURSE FOR A PERIOD DETERMINED FOR FOR A PERIOD DETERMINED FOR HIM: THAT IS THE DECREE OF (HIM) HIM: THAT IS THE DECREE OF (HIM) THE EXALTED IN MIGHT THE ALL-THE EXALTED IN MIGHT THE ALL-KNOWING. AND THE MOON, WE KNOWING. AND THE MOON, WE HAVE MEASURED FOR HER HAVE MEASURED FOR HER MANSIONS (TO TRAVERSE) TILL SHE MANSIONS (TO TRAVERSE) TILL SHE RETURNS LIKE THE OLD (AND RETURNS LIKE THE OLD (AND WITHERED) LOWER PART OF A WITHERED) LOWER PART OF A DATE – STALK.DATE – STALK.

““I” IS NOT PERMITTED TO THE I” IS NOT PERMITTED TO THE SUN TO OVERTAKE THE MOON, SUN TO OVERTAKE THE MOON, NOR CAN THE NIGHT OUTSTRIP NOR CAN THE NIGHT OUTSTRIP THE DAY: EACH (JUST) SWIMS THE DAY: EACH (JUST) SWIMS ALONG IN (ITS OWN) ORBIT ALONG IN (ITS OWN) ORBIT (ACCORDING TO LAW)”(ACCORDING TO LAW)”

(SURA YA-SIN) (SURA YA-SIN) Noble Qur'an36:38-40Noble Qur'an36:38-40[English interpretation by A. Yusuf Ali][English interpretation by A. Yusuf Ali]

The artheistic scientist continues, The artheistic scientist continues, "Ours is an '"Ours is an 'expanding' expanding' universe.The galaxies are universe.The galaxies are receding away from us at a faster receding away from us at a faster and faster rate, and once they and faster rate, and once they reach the speed of light, we will reach the speed of light, we will not be able to see them anymore.not be able to see them anymore.

We must construct bigger and better We must construct bigger and better telescopes as quickly as possible telescopes as quickly as possible to study the sights, if not we will to study the sights, if not we will miss the bus!".miss the bus!".

[Light is said to travel at a speed of [Light is said to travel at a speed of a hundred and eighty six thousand a hundred and eighty six thousand miles per second (7.5 times miles per second (7.5 times around the world in one second!).] around the world in one second!).]

- When did you discover these fairy - When did you discover these fairy tales?' we ask. tales?' we ask.

"No, these are not fairy tales but "No, these are not fairy tales but scientific facts!" our friend assures scientific facts!" our friend assures us. us.

- "All right, we accept your facts for - "All right, we accept your facts for what you say they are, but when what you say they are, but when did you really stumble upon these did you really stumble upon these facts? facts?

"Only yesterday!" he replies. "Only yesterday!" he replies.

Fifty years, after all, is only Fifty years, after all, is only 'yesterday' in the history of the 'yesterday' in the history of the human race. human race.

- "An unlettered Arab in the desert - "An unlettered Arab in the desert over 1400 years ago could never over 1400 years ago could never have had your knowledge of the have had your knowledge of the ''big bangbig bang' and of your 'expanding ' and of your 'expanding universe', could he?", we ask. universe', could he?", we ask.

"No never!' he retorts boastingly. "No never!' he retorts boastingly. "Well, then listen to what this "Well, then listen to what this ummiummi Prophet uttered under inspiration" Prophet uttered under inspiration"

[[Ummi:Ummi: means unlettered, unlearned means unlettered, unlearned ..

““And the Book is given to him And the Book is given to him that is NOT LEARNED, saying, that is NOT LEARNED, saying, Read this, I pray thee and he Read this, I pray thee and he sayeth, I am not learned"sayeth, I am not learned"

Isaiah 29:12.Isaiah 29:12.

. See how this prophecy finds . See how this prophecy finds fulfillment in Muhammad (pbuh). fulfillment in Muhammad (pbuh).

Obtain your FREE COPY OF "Obtain your FREE COPY OF "What What the Bible says about the Bible says about Muhammad (PBUH)Muhammad (PBUH)" from the " from the IPCI.] IPCI.]

““DO NOT THE UNBELIEVERS DO NOT THE UNBELIEVERS (THE ATHEISTS AND THE (THE ATHEISTS AND THE AGNOSTICS) SEE THAT THE AGNOSTICS) SEE THAT THE HEAVENS AND THE EARTH HEAVENS AND THE EARTH WERE JOINED TOGETHER (AS WERE JOINED TOGETHER (AS ONE UNIT OF CREATION) ONE UNIT OF CREATION) BEFORE WE CLOVE THEM BEFORE WE CLOVE THEM ASUNDER?”ASUNDER?”

(SURA ANBIYAA) (SURA ANBIYAA) Noble Qur'an 21:30Noble Qur'an 21:30[English interpretation by A. Yusuf Ali][English interpretation by A. Yusuf Ali]

““AND IT IS THE (GOD ALMIGHTY) AND IT IS THE (GOD ALMIGHTY) WHO CREATED THE NIGHT AND WHO CREATED THE NIGHT AND THE DAY, AND THE SUN AND THE DAY, AND THE SUN AND THE MOON: ALL (THE CELESTIAL THE MOON: ALL (THE CELESTIAL BODIES) SWIM ALONG, EACH IN BODIES) SWIM ALONG, EACH IN ITS ROUNDED COURSE.”ITS ROUNDED COURSE.”

(SURA ANBIYAA) (SURA ANBIYAA)

Noble Qur'an 21:33Noble Qur'an 21:33[English interpretation by A. Yusuf Ali][English interpretation by A. Yusuf Ali]

'BIG BANG' THEORY'BIG BANG' THEORY

Can't you see that the words "Can't you see that the words "The The UnbelieversUnbelievers"" in the first quote in the first quote above are specifically addressed above are specifically addressed toto You You – the men of science — – the men of science — the geographers, the the geographers, the astronomers, who, after having astronomers, who, after having made amazing discoveries and made amazing discoveries and conveyed these discoveries to conveyed these discoveries to mankind, still remain so ‘BLIND’ mankind, still remain so ‘BLIND’ as not to ‘SEE’ its Author?as not to ‘SEE’ its Author?

““With our Sciences and With our Sciences and Encyclopaedias, we are apt to Encyclopaedias, we are apt to forget the Divineness, in forget the Divineness, in those laboratories of oursthose laboratories of ours”” says Thomas Carlyle.says Thomas Carlyle.

Where on earth could a camel Where on earth could a camel driver in the desert have gleaned driver in the desert have gleaned ‘Your facts’ fourteen hundred ‘Your facts’ fourteen hundred

years years ago, ago, except from the except from the Maker of the Maker of the ‘Big Bang’ ‘Big Bang’

Himself’?Himself’?

CHAPTER TWO (cont.)CHAPTER TWO (cont.)

Science and the Science and the Qur'anic Revelations Qur'anic Revelations

ORIGIN OF LIFEORIGIN OF LIFE

““And And You You biologists who seem to biologists who seem to have your fingers on all organic have your fingers on all organic life, and yet have the temerity to life, and yet have the temerity to deny the existence of the Source deny the existence of the Source of that Life, i.e. God: tell me, of that Life, i.e. God: tell me, according to your vaunted according to your vaunted research; research; where and how did where and how did life originate?life originate?” ”

Like his ‘unbelieving’ astronomer Like his ‘unbelieving’ astronomer companion in science, he too begins companion in science, he too begins — —

““Well, billions of years ago primeval Well, billions of years ago primeval matter in the sea began to generate matter in the sea began to generate protoplasm out of which came the protoplasm out of which came the amoeba; and out of that mire in the amoeba; and out of that mire in the sea came all living things. In one sea came all living things. In one word ALL LIFE came from the sea, word ALL LIFE came from the sea, i.e. i.e. Water!”Water!”

- “And when did you discover this - “And when did you discover this fact that all living things came fact that all living things came from water?” from water?”

The answer is no different from The answer is no different from that of his fellow scientist the that of his fellow scientist the astronomer — astronomer — “Yesterday!”“Yesterday!”

- “No man of learning, no philosopher or - “No man of learning, no philosopher or poet could ever have guessed your poet could ever have guessed your biological discovery fourteen centuries biological discovery fourteen centuries back, could he?” we ask, and our back, could he?” we ask, and our biologist is as emphatic as the biologist is as emphatic as the astronomer. astronomer.

““No,No, never!” never!” says he. says he.

- “Well, then, you just listen to this - “Well, then, you just listen to this untutored son of the desert!”untutored son of the desert!”

““AND WE MADE FROM WATER AND WE MADE FROM WATER EVERY LIVING THING WILL EVERY LIVING THING WILL THEY (THE UNBELIEVERS, THE THEY (THE UNBELIEVERS, THE ATHEISTS AND THE ATHEISTS AND THE AGNOSTICS) THEN NOT AGNOSTICS) THEN NOT BELIEVE?”BELIEVE?”

(SURA ANBIYAA) (SURA ANBIYAA) Noble Qur'an 21:30Noble Qur'an 21:30[English interpretation by A. Yusuf Ali][English interpretation by A. Yusuf Ali]

““Protoplasm is the basis of all living Protoplasm is the basis of all living matter, and “the vital power of matter, and “the vital power of protoplasm seems to depend on protoplasm seems to depend on the constant presence of water”the constant presence of water”

(Lawson’s Text Book of Botany, London (Lawson’s Text Book of Botany, London 1922) 1922)

Textbooks on Zoology are also clear Textbooks on Zoology are also clear on this point.on this point.

For further explanation see Yusuf Ali’s For further explanation see Yusuf Ali’s translation and commentary, available translation and commentary, available from the IPCI. from the IPCI.

The above statement is further The above statement is further elaborated in the Book of God :elaborated in the Book of God :

““AND ALLAH HAS CREATED EVERY AND ALLAH HAS CREATED EVERY ANIMAL FROM WATER: OF THEM ANIMAL FROM WATER: OF THEM THERE ARE SOME THAT CREEP ON THERE ARE SOME THAT CREEP ON THEIR BELLIES; SOME THAT WALK THEIR BELLIES; SOME THAT WALK ON TWO LEGS; AND SOME THAT ON TWO LEGS; AND SOME THAT WALK ON FOUR. ALLAH CREATES WALK ON FOUR. ALLAH CREATES WHAT HE WILLS; FOR VERILY WHAT HE WILLS; FOR VERILY ALLAH HAS POWER OVER ALL ALLAH HAS POWER OVER ALL THINGS.”THINGS.”

(SURA NUR) Noble(SURA NUR) Noble Qur'an 24:45 Qur'an 24:45

[English interpretation by A. Yusuf Ali] [English interpretation by A. Yusuf Ali]

It will not be difficult for you to note It will not be difficult for you to note that these words of the that these words of the Omnipotent, Omniscient Creator Omnipotent, Omniscient Creator of the Universe were addressed to of the Universe were addressed to YOU men of knowledge in answer YOU men of knowledge in answer to your skepticism TODAY. to your skepticism TODAY.

Their real import was beyond the Their real import was beyond the dwellers of the desert fourteen dwellers of the desert fourteen centuries ago. centuries ago.

The Author (God Almighty) is The Author (God Almighty) is reasoning with reasoning with YOUYOU, you men of , you men of science, how can science, how can YOUYOU not believe in not believe in God? God?

YOU YOU should be the LAST to deny His should be the LAST to deny His existence and yet you are the FIRST! existence and yet you are the FIRST!

What sickness has overtaken What sickness has overtaken YOUYOU that you allow your egos to that you allow your egos to overshadow your sense of logic?overshadow your sense of logic?

AND to the botanists and the AND to the botanists and the zoologists and the physicists who, zoologists and the physicists who, despite their amazing insight into despite their amazing insight into the nature of things, refuse to the nature of things, refuse to acknowledge a Master Creator. acknowledge a Master Creator.

Let them then account for these Let them then account for these utterances of Muhammad (PBUH) utterances of Muhammad (PBUH) the mouthpiece of God.the mouthpiece of God.

““GLORY BE TO HIM (GOD ALMIGHTY) GLORY BE TO HIM (GOD ALMIGHTY) WHO CREATED IN PAIRS ALL WHO CREATED IN PAIRS ALL THINGS THAT WHICH THE EARTH THINGS THAT WHICH THE EARTH PRODUCES (THE VEGETABLE PRODUCES (THE VEGETABLE KINGDOM), AS WELL AS THEIR KINGDOM), AS WELL AS THEIR OWN (HUMAN) KIND (THE ANIMAL OWN (HUMAN) KIND (THE ANIMAL KINGDOM) AND (OTHER) THINGS KINGDOM) AND (OTHER) THINGS OF WHICH THEY HAVE NO OF WHICH THEY HAVE NO KNOWLEDGE (LIKE OF PHYSICS)”KNOWLEDGE (LIKE OF PHYSICS)”

(SURA YA-SIN) (SURA YA-SIN) Noble Qur'an 36:36Noble Qur'an 36:36[English interpretation by A. Yusuf Ali][English interpretation by A. Yusuf Ali]

Here is another verse from YA-SIN. Here is another verse from YA-SIN. A special plea is made to Muslim A special plea is made to Muslim readers who already know the readers who already know the Sura in Arabic, to now master its Sura in Arabic, to now master its English meaning as well. English meaning as well.

Equip yourself for all the good Equip yourself for all the good work! work!

"CREATED IN PAIRS" "CREATED IN PAIRS" ""The mystery of sex runs The mystery of sex runs

through all creation, - in man, through all creation, - in man, in animal life, in vegetable life, in animal life, in vegetable life, and in other things of which we and in other things of which we have no knowledge. Then there have no knowledge. Then there are pairs of opposite forces in are pairs of opposite forces in nature, e.g. positive and nature, e.g. positive and negative electricity, etc. negative electricity, etc.

““The atom itself consists of a The atom itself consists of a positively charged nucleus or positively charged nucleus or protons, surrounded by protons, surrounded by negatively charged electrons. negatively charged electrons. The constitution of matter The constitution of matter itself is thus referred to as itself is thus referred to as pairs of opposite energies."pairs of opposite energies."

(Comment by A. Yusuf Ali) (Comment by A. Yusuf Ali) [Yusuf Ali's translation with over 6000 [Yusuf Ali's translation with over 6000

explanatory notes available at a subsidized explanatory notes available at a subsidized price from the IPCI.]price from the IPCI.]

SIGNS OF GOD SIGNS OF GOD

The verses of this The verses of this “Perspicuous “Perspicuous Book,” Book,” the Noble Qur’an are the Noble Qur’an are evidently self-explanatory. evidently self-explanatory.

Students of the Qur’an saw the Students of the Qur’an saw the unmistakable Finger of God in unmistakable Finger of God in every discovery that man made. every discovery that man made.

These were the “Signs,” the These were the “Signs,” the “Miracles” from his Beneficent Lord “Miracles” from his Beneficent Lord and Cherisher so as to remove his and Cherisher so as to remove his doubts and strengthen his faith. doubts and strengthen his faith.

“…“…IN THESE ARE SIGNS FOR A IN THESE ARE SIGNS FOR A PEOPLE OF LEARNING.”PEOPLE OF LEARNING.”

((SURA RUM) SURA RUM) Noble Qur’an 30:22Noble Qur’an 30:22[English interpretation by A. Yusuf Ali][English interpretation by A. Yusuf Ali]

What an irony! What an irony!

It is the ‘It is the ‘people of learningpeople of learning’ who ’ who are actually rebellious! are actually rebellious!

Their vast material knowledge has Their vast material knowledge has inflated them with pride. inflated them with pride.

They lack the genuine humility They lack the genuine humility which goes together with all true which goes together with all true knowledge.knowledge.

In the words of a modem Frenchman In the words of a modem Frenchman [“The Bible, the Qur’an and Science” [“The Bible, the Qur’an and Science” p. 125 by Maurice Bucaille]:p. 125 by Maurice Bucaille]:

““THE ABOVE OBSERVATION (HIS OWN THE ABOVE OBSERVATION (HIS OWN THESIS) MAKES THE HYPOTHESIS THESIS) MAKES THE HYPOTHESIS ADVANCED BY THOSE WHO SEE ADVANCED BY THOSE WHO SEE MUHAMMAD AS THE AUTHOR OF THE MUHAMMAD AS THE AUTHOR OF THE QUR’AN UNTENABLE. QUR’AN UNTENABLE.

““HOW COULD A MAN, FROM BEING HOW COULD A MAN, FROM BEING ILLITERATE, BECOME THE MOST ILLITERATE, BECOME THE MOST IMPORTANT AUTHOR, IN TERMS IMPORTANT AUTHOR, IN TERMS OF LITERARY MERITS, IN THE OF LITERARY MERITS, IN THE WHOLE OF ARABIC LITERATURE? WHOLE OF ARABIC LITERATURE?

““HOW COULD HE THEN PRONOUNCE HOW COULD HE THEN PRONOUNCE TRUTHS OF A SCIENTIFIC NATURE TRUTHS OF A SCIENTIFIC NATURE THAT NO OTHER HUMAN BEING THAT NO OTHER HUMAN BEING COULD POSSIBLY HAVE COULD POSSIBLY HAVE DEVELOPED AT THAT TIME, AND DEVELOPED AT THAT TIME, AND ALL THIS WITHOUT ONCE MAKING ALL THIS WITHOUT ONCE MAKING THE SLIGHTEST ERROR IN HIS THE SLIGHTEST ERROR IN HIS PRONOUNCEMENT ON THE PRONOUNCEMENT ON THE SUBJECT?” SUBJECT?”

EARLY INSPIRATIONEARLY INSPIRATION

The seeds of this booklet, "The seeds of this booklet, "AL-AL-QUR'AN – The Miracle of QUR'AN – The Miracle of Miracles",Miracles", was probably sown by was probably sown by the Roving Ambassador of Islam, the Roving Ambassador of Islam, the silver-tongued orator – the silver-tongued orator – Maulana Abdul Aleem Siddiqui. Maulana Abdul Aleem Siddiqui.

I was only a schoolboy when he I was only a schoolboy when he visited South Africa on a lecture visited South Africa on a lecture tour in 1934. among his many tour in 1934. among his many erudite speeches, I heard him talk erudite speeches, I heard him talk on on “Cultivation of Science by “Cultivation of Science by the Muslims."the Muslims."

Subsequently, a booklet under the Subsequently, a booklet under the same title was published by the same title was published by the World Federation of Islamic World Federation of Islamic Missions, Karachi, Pakistan, which Missions, Karachi, Pakistan, which brings back the earlier joy and brings back the earlier joy and thrill of the discourse I heard in thrill of the discourse I heard in my teens. my teens.

In memory of that great servant of In memory of that great servant of Islam, I reproduce here, for Islam, I reproduce here, for posterity, a few words of what the posterity, a few words of what the Maulana had to say on the Maulana had to say on the relationship between the Noble relationship between the Noble Qur'an and the branches of Qur'an and the branches of scientific knowledge.scientific knowledge.

EXHORTATIONS TO EXHORTATIONS TO THE SCIENCESTHE SCIENCES

““The stress which the Holy Qur'an The stress which the Holy Qur'an has laid on the scientific study of has laid on the scientific study of the universe is a phenomenon the universe is a phenomenon unique in the religious literature unique in the religious literature of the world. of the world.

““Repeatedly it calls our attention to Repeatedly it calls our attention to the multifarious phenomena of the multifarious phenomena of nature occurring around us. nature occurring around us. Repeatedly it exhorts the Muslims Repeatedly it exhorts the Muslims that the pursult of scientific that the pursult of scientific knowledge is one of their religious knowledge is one of their religious duties. duties.

““Repeatedly it emphasizes the Repeatedly it emphasizes the great truth unknown to the pre-great truth unknown to the pre-Qur'anic world that everything in Qur'anic world that everything in nature is for the service of man nature is for the service of man and should be harnessed by him and should be harnessed by him for his use. for his use.

““It exhorts us to study the structure It exhorts us to study the structure and function of the human and function of the human organism, the structure, functions organism, the structure, functions and distribution of animals, the and distribution of animals, the form, structure, functions, form, structure, functions, classification and distribution of classification and distribution of plants, and these are problems of plants, and these are problems of BIOLOGY.”BIOLOGY.”

"It exhorts us to study the order of "It exhorts us to study the order of nature and the general properties nature and the general properties of matter as affected by energy, of matter as affected by energy, which is the problem of modern which is the problem of modern PHYSICS.”PHYSICS.”

"It exhorts us to study the structure "It exhorts us to study the structure and mineral constitution of the and mineral constitution of the globe, the different strata of globe, the different strata of which it is composed, the which it is composed, the changes that take place in its changes that take place in its organic and inorganic matter, etc, organic and inorganic matter, etc, etc,; which are the problems of etc,; which are the problems of modern GEOLOGY.”modern GEOLOGY.”

"It exhorts us to study the general "It exhorts us to study the general description of the earth, its description of the earth, its physical divisions into seas, physical divisions into seas, rivers, mountains, plains, etc., rivers, mountains, plains, etc., and the minerals, plants and and the minerals, plants and animals in each, and its political animals in each, and its political divisions which are the problems divisions which are the problems of modern GEOGRAPHY.”of modern GEOGRAPHY.”

"It exhorts us to study the causes "It exhorts us to study the causes which bring about the alternatioin which bring about the alternatioin of day and night, the variation of of day and night, the variation of the seasons, the movement of the the seasons, the movement of the planets and other celestial planets and other celestial phenomena, which are the phenomena, which are the problems of modern problems of modern ASTRONOMY."ASTRONOMY."

"It exhorts us to study the "It exhorts us to study the movements of winds, the movements of winds, the formation and evolution of clouds formation and evolution of clouds and the production of rain, and and the production of rain, and other similar phenomena, which other similar phenomena, which are the problems of modern are the problems of modern METEOROLOGY."METEOROLOGY."

For centuries, Muslims were world For centuries, Muslims were world leaders in the field of scientific leaders in the field of scientific learning. Then slowly, the learning. Then slowly, the leadership began to slip away from leadership began to slip away from their hands. Muslims had failed in their hands. Muslims had failed in their leadership role and their leadership role and materialistic Europe moved forward materialistic Europe moved forward to fill the vacuum in leadership to fill the vacuum in leadership created by the Muslims.created by the Muslims.

Further, the Maulana records the Further, the Maulana records the contribution made by the Muslims as contribution made by the Muslims as follows:follows:

"The intellectual upheaval created by "The intellectual upheaval created by Islam was a gigantic one. There is not a Islam was a gigantic one. There is not a single department of learning which the single department of learning which the Muslim scholars have left untouched and Muslim scholars have left untouched and which they have not carved out a high which they have not carved out a high position for themselves.”position for themselves.”

"In truth, Islam intends the Muslim "In truth, Islam intends the Muslim community to be a community of community to be a community of intellectuals, and the cultivation of intellectuals, and the cultivation of science and all other forms of learning science and all other forms of learning is one of the primary aims of Islam. Had is one of the primary aims of Islam. Had it not been for the Muslims, Europe it not been for the Muslims, Europe would never have seen its way to the would never have seen its way to the Renaissance and the modern scientific Renaissance and the modern scientific era would never have dawned. era would never have dawned.

““Those nations who have received Those nations who have received their knowledge of science from their knowledge of science from Europe are in fact indirectly the Europe are in fact indirectly the disciples of the Islamic disciples of the Islamic community of the past. Humanity community of the past. Humanity owes to Islam a debt which it can owes to Islam a debt which it can never repay and gratitude which never repay and gratitude which it can never forget." it can never forget."

The silver-tongued orator (the The silver-tongued orator (the Maulana) ended his masterful Maulana) ended his masterful exposition of the topic – exposition of the topic – ""CULTIVATION OF SCIENCE BY CULTIVATION OF SCIENCE BY THE MUSLIMS,"THE MUSLIMS," with the words: with the words:

““Before I conclude, let me affirm Before I conclude, let me affirm once more that the Muslim once more that the Muslim community is out and out a community is out and out a creation of Islam which in its turn creation of Islam which in its turn is rooted in Divine revelation. is rooted in Divine revelation.

““Nothing but belief in and the Nothing but belief in and the practice of Islam can make an practice of Islam can make an individual a Muslim. Islam has laid it individual a Muslim. Islam has laid it down as a religious duty that a down as a religious duty that a Muslim should enquire into the Muslim should enquire into the reality of objects around him, so reality of objects around him, so that his scientific enquiry may lead that his scientific enquiry may lead him to the knowledge of his him to the knowledge of his Creator.Creator.

““Scientific enquiry in Islam is not an Scientific enquiry in Islam is not an end but a means to the attainment end but a means to the attainment of a higher end. And this is really of a higher end. And this is really the true end of humanity.” the true end of humanity.”

““TO ALLAH WE BELONG AND TO TO ALLAH WE BELONG AND TO ALLAH IS OUR RETURN.”ALLAH IS OUR RETURN.”

Noble Qur'an 2:156Noble Qur'an 2:156[English interpretation by A. Yusuf Ali][English interpretation by A. Yusuf Ali]

CHAPTER THREECHAPTER THREE

Al-Qur'an: Absolutey Al-Qur'an: Absolutey Unique In Its Recording Unique In Its Recording

Among all the extant religious Among all the extant religious literature of the world, the Noble literature of the world, the Noble Qur'an is absolutely unique. Qur'an is absolutely unique.

Its recording and preservation are Its recording and preservation are miraculous! miraculous!

It stands out distinctly from the It stands out distinctly from the ordinary human pattern of ordinary human pattern of narration; the short-sighted and narration; the short-sighted and the inimical say that it is the inimical say that it is incoherent or incongruous. incoherent or incongruous.

The pattern definitely is different. The pattern definitely is different.

It is unique, it is miraculous. It is unique, it is miraculous.

Let me substantiate what I assert.Let me substantiate what I assert.

THE THE HUMAN STYLEHUMAN STYLE

Every other religious book is set on Every other religious book is set on the pattern of, "the pattern of, "Once upon a Once upon a time…" time…" or " or "The fox and the The fox and the grapes … the wolf and lamb,grapes … the wolf and lamb," " etc, etc, i.e.etc, etc, i.e.

1- a)1- a) IN THE BEGINNING IN THE BEGINNING (once (once Upon a Time) Upon a Time) God created the God created the heaven and the earth … heaven and the earth …

(Holy Bible)(Holy Bible) Genesis 1:1 Genesis 1:1

The first verse of the Bible speaks The first verse of the Bible speaks about "the heaven and the earth" about "the heaven and the earth" in the singular. in the singular.

In the Noble Qur'an the word earth In the Noble Qur'an the word earth is always singular whereas the is always singular whereas the word heavens is in the plural. word heavens is in the plural.

Some thing to ponder upon!Some thing to ponder upon!

The word The word "Genesis" "Genesis" itself means itself means the beginning this is, after all, the beginning this is, after all, how every human tale ought to how every human tale ought to start. start.

It should begin with the It should begin with the "beginning!"."beginning!".

b) b) IN THE BEGINNING IN THE BEGINNING (once (once Upon a Time) Upon a Time) was the word, was the word, and the word was with God, and the word was with God, and the word was God … and the word was God …

(Holy Bible)(Holy Bible) John 1:1 John 1:1

In the original Greek manuscripts of In the original Greek manuscripts of the New Testament there is no the New Testament there is no such thing as a capital letter and a such thing as a capital letter and a small letter. The Christian small letter. The Christian theologians have contrived capitals theologians have contrived capitals according to their religious according to their religious prejudices into their translations of prejudices into their translations of the Bible i.e. God and god. the Bible i.e. God and god.

c)c) THIS IS THE GENEALOGY THIS IS THE GENEALOGY (The Origin, The Beginning) (The Origin, The Beginning) of of Jesus Christ, the son of David, Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham … the son of Abraham …

(Holy Bible)(Holy Bible) Matthew 1:1 Matthew 1:1

2.2. NOW AFTER THE DEATH NOW AFTER THE DEATH OF MOSES THE SERVANT OF OF MOSES THE SERVANT OF THE LORD IT CAME TO PASS THE LORD IT CAME TO PASS (So it happened, Once Upon a (So it happened, Once Upon a Time) Time) that the Lord spake unto that the Lord spake unto Joshua … Joshua …

(Holy Bible)(Holy Bible) Joshua 1:1 Joshua 1:1

3.3. NOW AFTER THE DEATH NOW AFTER THE DEATH OF JOSHUA IT CAME TO PASS OF JOSHUA IT CAME TO PASS (So it happened, Once Upon a (So it happened, Once Upon a Time) Time) the children of Israel the children of Israel asked the Lord … asked the Lord …

(Holy Bible)(Holy Bible) Judges 1:1 Judges 1:1

The editors of the RSV (the Revised The editors of the RSV (the Revised Standard Version) of the Bible, Standard Version) of the Bible, supported by 32 scholars of the supported by 32 scholars of the highest eminence; backed by 50 highest eminence; backed by 50 co-operating denominations, co-operating denominations, concluded their verdict regarding concluded their verdict regarding its authorship – NOT God but its authorship – NOT God but "Possibly "Possibly Samuel!".Samuel!".

4.4. NOW IT CAME TO PASS NOW IT CAME TO PASS (So (So it happened, Once Upon a Time) it happened, Once Upon a Time) in the days when the Judges in the days when the Judges ruled, that there was famine ruled, that there was famine in the land … in the land …

(Holy Bible)(Holy Bible) Ruth 1:1 Ruth 1:1

Their verdict again – Their verdict again –

"Not "Not definitelydefinitely known, known, perhapsperhaps Samuel!" Most definitely NOT Samuel!" Most definitely NOT God!”God!”

5.5. NOW THERE WAS A NOW THERE WAS A CERTAIN MAN CERTAIN MAN (Once Upon a (Once Upon a Time) of Time) of Ramathaimzophim, of Ramathaimzophim, of the mount Ephraim … the mount Ephraim …

(Holy Bible)(Holy Bible) Samuel 1:1 Samuel 1:1

Amazingly, the inspired editors of Amazingly, the inspired editors of the RSV say about the authorship the RSV say about the authorship of the Book of Judges – "Possibly of the Book of Judges – "Possibly Samuel" and for the Book of Ruth Samuel" and for the Book of Ruth – "Perhaps Samuel", but when – "Perhaps Samuel", but when they come to the Book of Samuel they come to the Book of Samuel himself they declare – Author – himself they declare – Author – "Unknown!""Unknown!"

6.6. NOW IT CAME TO PASS NOW IT CAME TO PASS (So (So it happened, Once Upon a Time) it happened, Once Upon a Time) after the death of Saul … after the death of Saul …

(Holy Bible)(Holy Bible) 2 Samuel 1:1 2 Samuel 1:1

7.7.NOW NOW (Once Upon a Time) (Once Upon a Time) King David King David was oldwas old (Gone Old) (Gone Old) and stricken in and stricken in years, and they covered him with years, and they covered him with clothes, but he gat no heat.clothes, but he gat no heat.

(Holy Bible)(Holy Bible) 1 King 1:1 1 King 1:1

The same (editors’ verdict) – Author – The same (editors’ verdict) – Author – "Unknown!""Unknown!"

8.8. NOW NOW (Once Upon a Time) (Once Upon a Time) in in the first year of Cyrus King of the first year of Cyrus King of Persia …Persia …

(Holy Bible)(Holy Bible) Book of Ezra 1:1 Book of Ezra 1:1

Again they unashamedly confess – Again they unashamedly confess – author – author – "Probably"Probably written or written or edited by Ezra!" edited by Ezra!"

Note their guarded semantics- Note their guarded semantics- "Possibly, perhaps, probably, etc" "Possibly, perhaps, probably, etc"

Get my book Get my book "Is the Bible God's "Is the Bible God's Word?"Word?" from the IPCI for a fuller from the IPCI for a fuller insight. insight.

9.9. NOW IT CAME TO PASS NOW IT CAME TO PASS (So (So it happened, Once Upon a Time) it happened, Once Upon a Time) in the thirtieth year, in the in the thirtieth year, in the fourth month, in the fifth day fourth month, in the fifth day of the month … of the month …

(Holy Bible)(Holy Bible) Ezekiel1:1 Ezekiel1:1

If these examples do not confuse If these examples do not confuse and bewilder you, then nothing and bewilder you, then nothing else will! You are inevitably struck else will! You are inevitably struck with the "once upon a time" with the "once upon a time" syndrome. You have cultivated a syndrome. You have cultivated a predilection for man-made predilection for man-made stories, even if they be true. stories, even if they be true.

The style, the pattern, the narration The style, the pattern, the narration is what I am speaking about. is what I am speaking about.

This is how humans think, talk and This is how humans think, talk and write. write.

No blame on them for humans will No blame on them for humans will be humans! be humans!

All the above references are from All the above references are from the authorized King James Version the authorized King James Version (KIV) which is the most popular (KIV) which is the most popular version among the Christians of version among the Christians of the world.the world.

You must have noted that every You must have noted that every verse in the above quotations is verse in the above quotations is 1:1, 1:1, meaning the 1:1, 1:1, meaning the firstfirst chapter and the chapter and the firstfirst verse of verse of every bookevery book of the Bible.; each of the Bible.; each starts with starts with NOWNOW, NOW, now!". , NOW, now!".

Try it out, see for yourself how many Try it out, see for yourself how many more such beginnings you can find more such beginnings you can find in the in the "Book of Books“. "Book of Books“.

[Book of Books[Book of Books: A title of the Holy : A title of the Holy Bible.]Bible.]

I must, however warn you that your I must, however warn you that your Bible Concordances will not help Bible Concordances will not help you. You will have to page through you. You will have to page through the Bible the same way as I did. the Bible the same way as I did.

CONCORDANCES WON'T CONCORDANCES WON'T HELPHELP

I consulted two Bible I consulted two Bible Concordances:Concordances:

The first was published by the The first was published by the Jehovah's Witnesses – The fastest Jehovah's Witnesses – The fastest growing Christian sect in growing Christian sect in Christendom. Christendom.

The second is "Young's Analytical The second is "Young's Analytical Concordance to the Bible". Concordance to the Bible".

Both these concordances boast Both these concordances boast over 300000 entries each. over 300000 entries each.

The latter has no less than 277 The latter has no less than 277 now'snow's listed, but there is not a listed, but there is not a single "NOW" (once upon a time) single "NOW" (once upon a time) of the examples given above. of the examples given above.

You can guess the reason!You can guess the reason!

[Because they represent childish [Because they represent childish redundancies ("ONCE UPON A redundancies ("ONCE UPON A TIME"); which ill-befits the word of TIME"); which ill-befits the word of God even according to their own God even according to their own standards.]standards.]

I do not want to tax your patience I do not want to tax your patience any further. I realize that you will any further. I realize that you will want proof. want proof.

"Alright now"Alright now, please tell us , please tell us youryour story about story about youryour Qur'anic Qur'anic revelation!"revelation!"

"It was the night of the 27th of the "It was the night of the 27th of the month of Ramadaan that month of Ramadaan that Muhammad (PBUH) the prophet Muhammad (PBUH) the prophet of Islam, was in cave of Hira, in of Islam, was in cave of Hira, in the outskirts of the City of the outskirts of the City of Makkah. Makkah.

““He used to retire to Mount Hira for He used to retire to Mount Hira for peace and contemplation. peace and contemplation.

He used to worry about the He used to worry about the problems of his people – their problems of his people – their drunkenness, adulteries, drunkenness, adulteries, idolatries, wars, their rank idolatries, wars, their rank injustices and cruelties. injustices and cruelties.

So much so that Gibbon, the master So much so that Gibbon, the master historian, was constrained to historian, was constrained to record in his record in his "Decline and fall of "Decline and fall of the roman empire"the roman empire"::

""THE HUMAN BRUTE (THE ARAB), THE HUMAN BRUTE (THE ARAB), ALMOST WITHOUT SENSE IS ALMOST WITHOUT SENSE IS POORLY DISTINGUISHED FROM THE POORLY DISTINGUISHED FROM THE REST OF THE ANIMAL CREATION.REST OF THE ANIMAL CREATION.""

The recluse of Hira was yearning The recluse of Hira was yearning for a solution. for a solution.

He used to retire to his retreat He used to retire to his retreat often alone, but sometimes with often alone, but sometimes with his dear wife his dear wife Umm-ul-Umm-ul-Mo'mineen Mo'mineen (Mother of the (Mother of the Faithful)Faithful) Khadija-tul-Kubra. Khadija-tul-Kubra.

THE FIRST CALL THE FIRST CALL

One night – the night of Lailatul-One night – the night of Lailatul-Qadr – (the Night of Power and Qadr – (the Night of Power and Excellence) when Divine peace Excellence) when Divine peace rests on creation, and all nature is rests on creation, and all nature is lifted up towards its Lord – in the lifted up towards its Lord – in the middle of that night the book of middle of that night the book of God was opened to the thirsting God was opened to the thirsting soul. soul.

Gabriel, the angel of God, appears Gabriel, the angel of God, appears to him, and commands him in his to him, and commands him in his mother tongue: mother tongue: إقرأإقرأ Iqra'Iqra', which , which mean "read!" or "recite" or mean "read!" or "recite" or "rehearse!" or "proclaim" aloud! "rehearse!" or "proclaim" aloud!

Muhammad (PBUH) was too Muhammad (PBUH) was too terrified and was totally terrified and was totally unprepared for this shock. unprepared for this shock.

This was no graduating or gowning This was no graduating or gowning ceremony. ceremony.

In fear and trepidation he cries outIn fear and trepidation he cries out بقارئ أنا بقارئ ما أنا -Maa-ana-beqaa-Maa-ana-beqaa ما

Ri'inRi'in" " "I am not learned!" "I am not learned!"

The angel repeats the command The angel repeats the command Iqra'Iqra' for the second time, with for the second time, with the identical response from the identical response from Muhammad (PBUH). Muhammad (PBUH).

Gabriel embraces him hard and Gabriel embraces him hard and commands him the third time:commands him the third time:

““READ! IN THE NAME OF THY READ! IN THE NAME OF THY LORD AND CHERISHER WHO LORD AND CHERISHER WHO CREATED …”CREATED …”

Muhammad (PBUH) now grasps Muhammad (PBUH) now grasps that what he was required to do, that what he was required to do, was to repeat what was being was to repeat what was being said, since this Arabic word said, since this Arabic word Iqra'Iqra' means all these things – read, means all these things – read, recite or repeat! recite or repeat!

Following the above first verse Following the above first verse (English meaning) of (English meaning) of Sura Al-Sura Al-Alaq Alaq (Chapter 96 of the Noble (Chapter 96 of the Noble Qur'an), four more verses were Qur'an), four more verses were repeated and recited on repeated and recited on Muhammad's (PBUH) first call and Muhammad's (PBUH) first call and subsequently recorded in written subsequently recorded in written form in the Noble Qur'an …form in the Noble Qur'an …

"Hold it, Mr. Deedat! "Hold it, Mr. Deedat! ““I can almost hear you shriek. I can almost hear you shriek. ““All this that you are telling us about All this that you are telling us about

your "Qur'anic revelation" is no your "Qur'anic revelation" is no different from the other numerous different from the other numerous examples you have to prove to have examples you have to prove to have had a human hand in it. had a human hand in it.

““Were they all fallible and not divine?"Were they all fallible and not divine?"

Exactly! I am happy that you see Exactly! I am happy that you see clearly how the subjective mind of clearly how the subjective mind of man thinks, talks, and records. man thinks, talks, and records.

From the time you asked me From the time you asked me "please tell us your STORY "please tell us your STORY about your Qur'anic about your Qur'anic revelation"revelation" and I began to and I began to respond – respond –

"It was the night of the 27th of "It was the night of the 27th of the month of Ramadaan …"the month of Ramadaan …" up up to – to – "and subsequently recorded "and subsequently recorded in written form in the Noble in written form in the Noble Qur'an"Qur'an" were my own words. were my own words.

I borrowed them from the Noble I borrowed them from the Noble Qur'an, from the Books of Tradition, Qur'an, from the Books of Tradition, from history and from the lips of from history and from the lips of learned men I heard over the learned men I heard over the decades. decades.

The Qur'anic Scripture has no such The Qur'anic Scripture has no such taint from the hands of men. This taint from the hands of men. This is how it is preserved. is how it is preserved.

I will list the first five verses of the I will list the first five verses of the first revelation to Muhammad first revelation to Muhammad (PBUH), for your critical (PBUH), for your critical observation and study – observation and study –

1. 1. PROCLAIM! (OR READ!)PROCLAIM! (OR READ!) IN THE NAME OF THY IN THE NAME OF THY LORD AND CHERISHER,LORD AND CHERISHER,

WHO CREATED –WHO CREATED –

2. CREATED MAN, OUT OF A 2. CREATED MAN, OUT OF A (MERE) CLOT OF CONGEALED (MERE) CLOT OF CONGEALED BLOOD:BLOOD:

3. PROCLAIM! AND THY LORD 3. PROCLAIM! AND THY LORD IS MOST BOUNTIFUL, -IS MOST BOUNTIFUL, -

4. HE WHO TAUGHT4. HE WHO TAUGHT(THE USE OF) THE PEN, -(THE USE OF) THE PEN, -

5. TAUGHT MAN THAT WHICH HE 5. TAUGHT MAN THAT WHICH HE KNEW NOTKNEW NOT

[English interpretation by A. Yusuf [English interpretation by A. Yusuf Ali] Ali]

CHAPTER THREECHAPTER THREE

Al-Qur'an: Absolutey Al-Qur'an: Absolutey Unique In Its Recording Unique In Its Recording

Among all the extant religious Among all the extant religious literature of the world, the Noble literature of the world, the Noble Qur'an is absolutely unique. Qur'an is absolutely unique.

Its recording and preservation are Its recording and preservation are miraculous! miraculous!

It stands out distinctly from the It stands out distinctly from the ordinary human pattern of ordinary human pattern of narration; the short-sighted and narration; the short-sighted and the inimical say that it is the inimical say that it is incoherent or incongruous. incoherent or incongruous.

The pattern definitely is different. The pattern definitely is different.

It is unique, it is miraculous. It is unique, it is miraculous.

Let me substantiate what I assert.Let me substantiate what I assert.

THE THE HUMAN STYLEHUMAN STYLE

Every other religious book is set on Every other religious book is set on the pattern of, "the pattern of, "Once upon a Once upon a time…" time…" or " or "The fox and the The fox and the grapes … the wolf and lamb,grapes … the wolf and lamb," " etc, etc, i.e.etc, etc, i.e.

1- a)1- a) IN THE BEGINNING IN THE BEGINNING (once (once Upon a Time) Upon a Time) God created the God created the heaven and the earth … heaven and the earth …

(Holy Bible)(Holy Bible) Genesis 1:1 Genesis 1:1

The first verse of the Bible speaks The first verse of the Bible speaks about "the heaven and the earth" about "the heaven and the earth" in the singular. in the singular.

In the Noble Qur'an the word earth In the Noble Qur'an the word earth is always singular whereas the is always singular whereas the word heavens is in the plural. word heavens is in the plural.

Some thing to ponder upon!Some thing to ponder upon!

The word The word "Genesis" "Genesis" itself means itself means the beginning this is, after all, the beginning this is, after all, how every human tale ought to how every human tale ought to start. start.

It should begin with the It should begin with the "beginning!"."beginning!".

b) b) IN THE BEGINNING IN THE BEGINNING (once (once Upon a Time) Upon a Time) was the word, was the word, and the word was with God, and the word was with God, and the word was God … and the word was God …

(Holy Bible)(Holy Bible) John 1:1 John 1:1

In the original Greek manuscripts of In the original Greek manuscripts of the New Testament there is no the New Testament there is no such thing as a capital letter and a such thing as a capital letter and a small letter. The Christian small letter. The Christian theologians have contrived capitals theologians have contrived capitals according to their religious according to their religious prejudices into their translations of prejudices into their translations of the Bible i.e. God and god. the Bible i.e. God and god.

c)c) THIS IS THE GENEALOGY THIS IS THE GENEALOGY (The Origin, The Beginning) (The Origin, The Beginning) of of Jesus Christ, the son of David, Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham … the son of Abraham …

(Holy Bible)(Holy Bible) Matthew 1:1 Matthew 1:1

2.2. NOW AFTER THE DEATH NOW AFTER THE DEATH OF MOSES THE SERVANT OF OF MOSES THE SERVANT OF THE LORD IT CAME TO PASS THE LORD IT CAME TO PASS (So it happened, Once Upon a (So it happened, Once Upon a Time) Time) that the Lord spake unto that the Lord spake unto Joshua … Joshua …

(Holy Bible)(Holy Bible) Joshua 1:1 Joshua 1:1

3.3. NOW AFTER THE DEATH NOW AFTER THE DEATH OF JOSHUA IT CAME TO PASS OF JOSHUA IT CAME TO PASS (So it happened, Once Upon a (So it happened, Once Upon a Time) Time) the children of Israel the children of Israel asked the Lord … asked the Lord …

(Holy Bible)(Holy Bible) Judges 1:1 Judges 1:1

The editors of the RSV (the Revised The editors of the RSV (the Revised Standard Version) of the Bible, Standard Version) of the Bible, supported by 32 scholars of the supported by 32 scholars of the highest eminence; backed by 50 highest eminence; backed by 50 co-operating denominations, co-operating denominations, concluded their verdict regarding concluded their verdict regarding its authorship – NOT God but its authorship – NOT God but "Possibly "Possibly Samuel!".Samuel!".

4.4. NOW IT CAME TO PASS NOW IT CAME TO PASS (So (So it happened, Once Upon a Time) it happened, Once Upon a Time) in the days when the Judges in the days when the Judges ruled, that there was famine ruled, that there was famine in the land … in the land …

(Holy Bible)(Holy Bible) Ruth 1:1 Ruth 1:1

Their verdict again – Their verdict again –

"Not "Not definitelydefinitely known, known, perhapsperhaps Samuel!" Most definitely NOT Samuel!" Most definitely NOT God!”God!”

5.5. NOW THERE WAS A NOW THERE WAS A CERTAIN MAN CERTAIN MAN (Once Upon a (Once Upon a Time) of Time) of Ramathaimzophim, of Ramathaimzophim, of the mount Ephraim … the mount Ephraim …

(Holy Bible)(Holy Bible) Samuel 1:1 Samuel 1:1

Amazingly, the inspired editors of Amazingly, the inspired editors of the RSV say about the authorship the RSV say about the authorship of the Book of Judges – "Possibly of the Book of Judges – "Possibly Samuel" and for the Book of Ruth Samuel" and for the Book of Ruth – "Perhaps Samuel", but when – "Perhaps Samuel", but when they come to the Book of Samuel they come to the Book of Samuel himself they declare – Author – himself they declare – Author – "Unknown!""Unknown!"

6.6. NOW IT CAME TO PASS NOW IT CAME TO PASS (So (So it happened, Once Upon a Time) it happened, Once Upon a Time) after the death of Saul … after the death of Saul …

(Holy Bible)(Holy Bible) 2 Samuel 1:1 2 Samuel 1:1

7.7.NOW NOW (Once Upon a Time) (Once Upon a Time) King David King David was oldwas old (Gone Old) (Gone Old) and stricken in and stricken in years, and they covered him with years, and they covered him with clothes, but he gat no heat.clothes, but he gat no heat.

(Holy Bible)(Holy Bible) 1 King 1:1 1 King 1:1

The same (editors’ verdict) – Author – The same (editors’ verdict) – Author – "Unknown!""Unknown!"

8.8. NOW NOW (Once Upon a Time) (Once Upon a Time) in in the first year of Cyrus King of the first year of Cyrus King of Persia …Persia …

(Holy Bible)(Holy Bible) Book of Ezra 1:1 Book of Ezra 1:1

Again they unashamedly confess – Again they unashamedly confess – author – author – "Probably"Probably written or written or edited by Ezra!" edited by Ezra!"

Note their guarded semantics- Note their guarded semantics- "Possibly, perhaps, probably, etc" "Possibly, perhaps, probably, etc"

Get my book Get my book "Is the Bible God's "Is the Bible God's Word?"Word?" from the IPCI for a fuller from the IPCI for a fuller insight. insight.

9.9. NOW IT CAME TO PASS NOW IT CAME TO PASS (So (So it happened, Once Upon a Time) it happened, Once Upon a Time) in the thirtieth year, in the in the thirtieth year, in the fourth month, in the fifth day fourth month, in the fifth day of the month … of the month …

(Holy Bible)(Holy Bible) Ezekiel1:1 Ezekiel1:1

If these examples do not confuse If these examples do not confuse and bewilder you, then nothing and bewilder you, then nothing else will! You are inevitably struck else will! You are inevitably struck with the "once upon a time" with the "once upon a time" syndrome. You have cultivated a syndrome. You have cultivated a predilection for man-made predilection for man-made stories, even if they be true. stories, even if they be true.

The style, the pattern, the narration The style, the pattern, the narration is what I am speaking about. is what I am speaking about.

This is how humans think, talk and This is how humans think, talk and write. write.

No blame on them for humans will No blame on them for humans will be humans! be humans!

All the above references are from All the above references are from the authorized King James Version the authorized King James Version (KIV) which is the most popular (KIV) which is the most popular version among the Christians of version among the Christians of the world.the world.

You must have noted that every You must have noted that every verse in the above quotations is verse in the above quotations is 1:1, 1:1, meaning the 1:1, 1:1, meaning the firstfirst chapter and the chapter and the firstfirst verse of verse of every bookevery book of the Bible.; each of the Bible.; each starts with starts with NOWNOW, NOW, now!". , NOW, now!".

Try it out, see for yourself how many Try it out, see for yourself how many more such beginnings you can find more such beginnings you can find in the in the "Book of Books“. "Book of Books“.

[Book of Books[Book of Books: A title of the Holy : A title of the Holy Bible.]Bible.]

I must, however warn you that your I must, however warn you that your Bible Concordances will not help Bible Concordances will not help you. You will have to page through you. You will have to page through the Bible the same way as I did. the Bible the same way as I did.

CONCORDANCES WON'T CONCORDANCES WON'T HELPHELP

I consulted two Bible I consulted two Bible Concordances:Concordances:

The first was published by the The first was published by the Jehovah's Witnesses – The fastest Jehovah's Witnesses – The fastest growing Christian sect in growing Christian sect in Christendom. Christendom.

The second is "Young's Analytical The second is "Young's Analytical Concordance to the Bible". Concordance to the Bible".

Both these concordances boast Both these concordances boast over 300000 entries each. over 300000 entries each.

The latter has no less than 277 The latter has no less than 277 now'snow's listed, but there is not a listed, but there is not a single "NOW" (once upon a time) single "NOW" (once upon a time) of the examples given above. of the examples given above.

You can guess the reason!You can guess the reason!

[Because they represent childish [Because they represent childish redundancies ("ONCE UPON A redundancies ("ONCE UPON A TIME"); which ill-befits the word of TIME"); which ill-befits the word of God even according to their own God even according to their own standards.]standards.]

I do not want to tax your patience I do not want to tax your patience any further. I realize that you will any further. I realize that you will want proof. want proof.

"Alright now"Alright now, please tell us , please tell us youryour story about story about youryour Qur'anic Qur'anic revelation!"revelation!"

"It was the night of the 27th of the "It was the night of the 27th of the month of Ramadaan that month of Ramadaan that Muhammad (PBUH) the prophet Muhammad (PBUH) the prophet of Islam, was in cave of Hira, in of Islam, was in cave of Hira, in the outskirts of the City of the outskirts of the City of Makkah. Makkah.

““He used to retire to Mount Hira for He used to retire to Mount Hira for peace and contemplation. peace and contemplation.

He used to worry about the He used to worry about the problems of his people – their problems of his people – their drunkenness, adulteries, drunkenness, adulteries, idolatries, wars, their rank idolatries, wars, their rank injustices and cruelties. injustices and cruelties.

So much so that Gibbon, the master So much so that Gibbon, the master historian, was constrained to historian, was constrained to record in his record in his "Decline and fall of "Decline and fall of the roman empire"the roman empire"::

""THE HUMAN BRUTE (THE ARAB), THE HUMAN BRUTE (THE ARAB), ALMOST WITHOUT SENSE IS ALMOST WITHOUT SENSE IS POORLY DISTINGUISHED FROM THE POORLY DISTINGUISHED FROM THE REST OF THE ANIMAL CREATION.REST OF THE ANIMAL CREATION.""

The recluse of Hira was yearning The recluse of Hira was yearning for a solution. for a solution.

He used to retire to his retreat He used to retire to his retreat often alone, but sometimes with often alone, but sometimes with his dear wife his dear wife Umm-ul-Umm-ul-Mo'mineen Mo'mineen (Mother of the (Mother of the Faithful)Faithful) Khadija-tul-Kubra. Khadija-tul-Kubra.

THE FIRST CALL THE FIRST CALL

One night – the night of Lailatul-One night – the night of Lailatul-Qadr – (the Night of Power and Qadr – (the Night of Power and Excellence) when Divine peace Excellence) when Divine peace rests on creation, and all nature is rests on creation, and all nature is lifted up towards its Lord – in the lifted up towards its Lord – in the middle of that night the book of middle of that night the book of God was opened to the thirsting God was opened to the thirsting soul. soul.

Gabriel, the angel of God, appears Gabriel, the angel of God, appears to him, and commands him in his to him, and commands him in his mother tongue: mother tongue: إقرأإقرأ Iqra'Iqra', which , which mean "read!" or "recite" or mean "read!" or "recite" or "rehearse!" or "proclaim" aloud! "rehearse!" or "proclaim" aloud!

Muhammad (PBUH) was too Muhammad (PBUH) was too terrified and was totally terrified and was totally unprepared for this shock. unprepared for this shock.

This was no graduating or gowning This was no graduating or gowning ceremony. ceremony.

In fear and trepidation he cries outIn fear and trepidation he cries out بقارئ أنا بقارئ ما أنا -Maa-ana-beqaa-Maa-ana-beqaa ما

Ri'inRi'in" " "I am not learned!" "I am not learned!"

The angel repeats the command The angel repeats the command Iqra'Iqra' for the second time, with for the second time, with the identical response from the identical response from Muhammad (PBUH). Muhammad (PBUH).

Gabriel embraces him hard and Gabriel embraces him hard and commands him the third time:commands him the third time:

““READ! IN THE NAME OF THY READ! IN THE NAME OF THY LORD AND CHERISHER WHO LORD AND CHERISHER WHO CREATED …”CREATED …”

Muhammad (PBUH) now grasps Muhammad (PBUH) now grasps that what he was required to do, that what he was required to do, was to repeat what was being was to repeat what was being said, since this Arabic word said, since this Arabic word Iqra'Iqra' means all these things – read, means all these things – read, recite or repeat! recite or repeat!

Following the above first verse Following the above first verse (English meaning) of (English meaning) of Sura Al-Sura Al-Alaq Alaq (Chapter 96 of the Noble (Chapter 96 of the Noble Qur'an), four more verses were Qur'an), four more verses were repeated and recited on repeated and recited on Muhammad's (PBUH) first call and Muhammad's (PBUH) first call and subsequently recorded in written subsequently recorded in written form in the Noble Qur'an …form in the Noble Qur'an …

"Hold it, Mr. Deedat! "Hold it, Mr. Deedat! ““I can almost hear you shriek. I can almost hear you shriek. ““All this that you are telling us about All this that you are telling us about

your "Qur'anic revelation" is no your "Qur'anic revelation" is no different from the other numerous different from the other numerous examples you have to prove to have examples you have to prove to have had a human hand in it. had a human hand in it.

““Were they all fallible and not divine?"Were they all fallible and not divine?"

Exactly! I am happy that you see Exactly! I am happy that you see clearly how the subjective mind of clearly how the subjective mind of man thinks, talks, and records. man thinks, talks, and records.

From the time you asked me From the time you asked me "please tell us your STORY "please tell us your STORY about your Qur'anic about your Qur'anic revelation"revelation" and I began to and I began to respond – respond –

"It was the night of the 27th of "It was the night of the 27th of the month of Ramadaan …"the month of Ramadaan …" up up to – to – "and subsequently recorded "and subsequently recorded in written form in the Noble in written form in the Noble Qur'an"Qur'an" were my own words. were my own words.

I borrowed them from the Noble I borrowed them from the Noble Qur'an, from the Books of Tradition, Qur'an, from the Books of Tradition, from history and from the lips of from history and from the lips of learned men I heard over the learned men I heard over the decades. decades.

The Qur'anic Scripture has no such The Qur'anic Scripture has no such taint from the hands of men. This taint from the hands of men. This is how it is preserved. is how it is preserved.

I will list the first five verses of the I will list the first five verses of the first revelation to Muhammad first revelation to Muhammad (PBUH), for your critical (PBUH), for your critical observation and study – observation and study –

1. 1. PROCLAIM! (OR READ!)PROCLAIM! (OR READ!) IN THE NAME OF THY IN THE NAME OF THY LORD AND CHERISHER,LORD AND CHERISHER,

WHO CREATED –WHO CREATED –

2. CREATED MAN, OUT OF A 2. CREATED MAN, OUT OF A (MERE) CLOT OF CONGEALED (MERE) CLOT OF CONGEALED BLOOD:BLOOD:

3. PROCLAIM! AND THY LORD 3. PROCLAIM! AND THY LORD IS MOST BOUNTIFUL, -IS MOST BOUNTIFUL, -

4. HE WHO TAUGHT4. HE WHO TAUGHT(THE USE OF) THE PEN, -(THE USE OF) THE PEN, -

5. TAUGHT MAN THAT WHICH HE 5. TAUGHT MAN THAT WHICH HE KNEW NOTKNEW NOT

[English interpretation by A. Yusuf [English interpretation by A. Yusuf Ali] Ali]

CHAPTER 3 (Contd.)CHAPTER 3 (Contd.)

A UNIQUE RECORDA UNIQUE RECORD

Every Qur'anic text, in Arabic or in Every Qur'anic text, in Arabic or in a a translatedtranslated form in any form in any language will follow this pattern. language will follow this pattern.

There are no ifs and buts. There are no ifs and buts. You will You will NOTNOT find in the text or find in the text or

translation that Muhammad translation that Muhammad (PBUH) "WAS FORTY YEARS OLD (PBUH) "WAS FORTY YEARS OLD WHEN HE RECEIVED HIS FIRST WHEN HE RECEIVED HIS FIRST CALL" CALL"

You will You will NOTNOT find that "HE WAS IN find that "HE WAS IN THE CAVE OF MOUNT HIRA" THE CAVE OF MOUNT HIRA"

You will You will NOTNOT find that "HE SAW THE find that "HE SAW THE ANGEL GABRIEL" ANGEL GABRIEL"

Or that "HE WAS TERRIFIED" Or that "HE WAS TERRIFIED" Or how he reached and responded to Or how he reached and responded to

the command "Iqra’!" That when the command "Iqra’!" That when the angel departed after having the angel departed after having completed the first five verses. completed the first five verses.

"MUHAMMAD RAN HOME SOME "MUHAMMAD RAN HOME SOME THREE MILES SOUTH TO MAKKAH THREE MILES SOUTH TO MAKKAH TO HIS DEAR WIFE KHADIJA AND TO HIS DEAR WIFE KHADIJA AND RELATED WHAT HAD HAPPENED RELATED WHAT HAD HAPPENED AND REQUESTED HER TO COVER AND REQUESTED HER TO COVER HIM UP, COVER HIM UP!" HIM UP, COVER HIM UP!"

All this is what I call a All this is what I call a "Once upon "Once upon a time!"a time!" style. style.

The Noble Qur'an narrates nothing The Noble Qur'an narrates nothing of this.of this.

It is absolutely unique in its It is absolutely unique in its narration and its preservation. narration and its preservation.

In short it is Miraculous! In short it is Miraculous!

Further, unlike any human Further, unlike any human endeavor of literary art, where endeavor of literary art, where every thing begins with the every thing begins with the beginning, the first word and the beginning, the first word and the first verse of the Qur'anic first verse of the Qur'anic inspiration is inspiration is notnot the the first first chapterchapter and the and the first versefirst verse of of the Noble Qur'anthe Noble Qur'an

It occupies the 96th chapter of the It occupies the 96th chapter of the Noble Qur’an, as the divine Noble Qur’an, as the divine author (GOD ALMIGHTY) had author (GOD ALMIGHTY) had instructed His Chosen Messenger instructed His Chosen Messenger Muhammad (PBUH). Muhammad (PBUH).

No religious book on earth is like it No religious book on earth is like it or follows this pattern, because or follows this pattern, because no alleged Revelation was no alleged Revelation was preserved in its pristine purity preserved in its pristine purity when it was when it was revealed!revealed!

A CANADIAN A CANADIAN PSYCHOLOGISTPSYCHOLOGIST

I had the privilege of sharing my I had the privilege of sharing my thoughts on the first call of thoughts on the first call of Muhammad (pbuh), as contained Muhammad (pbuh), as contained in the first five verses of Sura Al-in the first five verses of Sura Al-`Alaq (chapter 96) as seen above, `Alaq (chapter 96) as seen above, with a young man from Canada. with a young man from Canada.

I was taking him on a guided tour I was taking him on a guided tour of the largest Mosque in the of the largest Mosque in the southern hemisphere. southern hemisphere.

Whilst chatting, I enquired as to his Whilst chatting, I enquired as to his occupation. He said that he was occupation. He said that he was doing a post-graduate course, doing a post-graduate course, majoring in psychology. majoring in psychology. "Psychology?" I said, and "Psychology?" I said, and immediately drew his attention to immediately drew his attention to the first five verses of the chapter the first five verses of the chapter under discussion. under discussion.

I asked him as to how he would I asked him as to how he would account for the Message and account for the Message and experience of Muhammad (PBUH), experience of Muhammad (PBUH), speaking about speaking about "Reading, "Reading, Writing and learning things Writing and learning things unknown before,"unknown before," things which things which were not his immediate problem were not his immediate problem nor the problem of his people. nor the problem of his people.

How could the subjective mind of How could the subjective mind of man, as if out of the blue [Blue: as man, as if out of the blue [Blue: as from nowhere!] rehearse these from nowhere!] rehearse these words. words.

I said, "Account for it!" I said, "Account for it!"

He said that he could not. He said that he could not.

He confessed that he had already He confessed that he had already grappled with that problem. grappled with that problem.

I said, "In that case we would have I said, "In that case we would have to accept the man at his word. to accept the man at his word. "And I quoted the first verses "And I quoted the first verses from from Sura al-NajmSura al-Najm::

““BY THE STAR WHEN IT GOES DOWN, BY THE STAR WHEN IT GOES DOWN, - YOUR COMPANION IS NEITHER - YOUR COMPANION IS NEITHER ASTRAY NOR BEING MISLED. NON ASTRAY NOR BEING MISLED. NON DOES HE SAY (AUGHT) OF (HIS DOES HE SAY (AUGHT) OF (HIS OWN) DESIRE. IT IS NO LESS THAN OWN) DESIRE. IT IS NO LESS THAN INSPIRATION SENT DOWN TO HIM: INSPIRATION SENT DOWN TO HIM: HE WAS TAUGHT BY ONE MIGHTY IN HE WAS TAUGHT BY ONE MIGHTY IN POWER.”POWER.”

(SURA NAJM) Noble(SURA NAJM) Noble Qur'an 53:1-5 Qur'an 53:1-5[English interpretation by A. Yusuf Ali][English interpretation by A. Yusuf Ali]

1 "By the star"1 "By the star": an oath, an adjuration.: an oath, an adjuration.

2 “Your Companion”:2 “Your Companion”: Muhammad Muhammad (PBUH) (PBUH)

3 INSPIRATION3 INSPIRATION: Our concept of the : Our concept of the revelation to Muhammad (PBUH) is a revelation to Muhammad (PBUH) is a verbal inspiration. The words of the Holy verbal inspiration. The words of the Holy Qur'an were so to say Qur'an were so to say "Put into his "Put into his mouth"mouth" (Deut, 18:18). (Deut, 18:18).

4 “One mighty in power”: 4 “One mighty in power”: This is This is referred to by the commentators to the referred to by the commentators to the Archangel Gabriel through whom the Archangel Gabriel through whom the revelation came.revelation came.

And Muhammad (PBUH) is repeatedly And Muhammad (PBUH) is repeatedly made to tell the people:made to tell the people:

““SAY: I AM BUT A MAN LIKE SAY: I AM BUT A MAN LIKE YOURSELVES, (BUT) THE YOURSELVES, (BUT) THE INSPIRATION HAS COME TO ME, INSPIRATION HAS COME TO ME, THAT YOUR GOD IS ONE GOD ….“THAT YOUR GOD IS ONE GOD ….“

(SURA KAHF) Noble Qur'an 18:110(SURA KAHF) Noble Qur'an 18:110[English interpretation by A. Yusuf [English interpretation by A. Yusuf

Ali]Ali]

The young Canadian politely The young Canadian politely responded, "I will have to give responded, "I will have to give this matter serious thought".this matter serious thought".

If only we would familiarize If only we would familiarize ourselves with the facts from the ourselves with the facts from the Holy Qur'an, we would be able to Holy Qur'an, we would be able to open a conversation with the open a conversation with the specialists in any science.specialists in any science.

MIRACLE OF JOURNALISM MIRACLE OF JOURNALISM

Being a beehive of activity, the IPCI Being a beehive of activity, the IPCI Centre attracts a lot of people for Centre attracts a lot of people for dialogue and discussions, dialogue and discussions, including the journalist and the including the journalist and the newspaperman. newspaperman.

As soon as I discover that my As soon as I discover that my interviewer's field of activity is interviewer's field of activity is journalism, I tell him that I would journalism, I tell him that I would like to show him the Holy Qur'an like to show him the Holy Qur'an as a as a "Miracle of"Miracle of Journalism!"Journalism!"

No one refuses to hear. I begin with No one refuses to hear. I begin with the story of the Holy prophet Moses the story of the Holy prophet Moses (PBUH), in the style and pattern of (PBUH), in the style and pattern of "Once upon a time." It can't be "Once upon a time." It can't be helped.helped.

Yet we cannot afford the luxury of the Yet we cannot afford the luxury of the details of details of "Moses and the "Moses and the Bulrushes"Bulrushes", or even the details of , or even the details of "his childhood, mother, and his "his childhood, mother, and his sister", (Holy Qur'an 20:38-40 and sister", (Holy Qur'an 20:38-40 and 28:7-13). 28:7-13).

HIS MISHAP IN THE CITYHIS MISHAP IN THE CITY

Moses (PBUH) came upon two men Moses (PBUH) came upon two men fighting, a man belonging to his fighting, a man belonging to his own tribe and the other an enemy own tribe and the other an enemy of his people. of his people.

He went to help the Jew against the He went to help the Jew against the Egyptian and in the altercation Egyptian and in the altercation slapped the tyrant too hard so slapped the tyrant too hard so that he died.that he died.

Moses (PBUH) then fled the country Moses (PBUH) then fled the country into the Sinai Desert and found into the Sinai Desert and found himself among the Midianites. himself among the Midianites.

Here he helped two damsels in Here he helped two damsels in distress and was offered a job by distress and was offered a job by their father Jethro. their father Jethro.

After having completed his indenture After having completed his indenture for a period of over eight years. for a period of over eight years. Moses (PBUH) was beginning to get Moses (PBUH) was beginning to get bored with his rustic existence. bored with his rustic existence.

For a man who had grown up with For a man who had grown up with royalty in the midst of the huste royalty in the midst of the huste and bustle of the city, he was and bustle of the city, he was getting restless. getting restless.

He wanted a change and asked for He wanted a change and asked for permission to become permission to become independent from his in-laws. independent from his in-laws.

Jethro was a very reasonable, and a Jethro was a very reasonable, and a practical man. practical man.

He grants Moses (PBUH) leave. He grants Moses (PBUH) leave.

MOSES PIONEERS A TREK MOSES PIONEERS A TREK

Moses (PBUH) left with his wife and Moses (PBUH) left with his wife and children, together with his share of children, together with his share of the sheep and the goats which he the sheep and the goats which he used to herd for his father-in-law.used to herd for his father-in-law.

After some time he found himself After some time he found himself with his family in Sinai. He had lost with his family in Sinai. He had lost direction from the last habitation direction from the last habitation with whom he had rested. with whom he had rested.

He had run out of stocks of the braised He had run out of stocks of the braised meat that he was carrying. meat that he was carrying.

There was still enough Matzos, the There was still enough Matzos, the dried unleavened bread of the Jews. dried unleavened bread of the Jews.

The problem was the meat. The problem was the meat.

He had to slaughter a sheep or a goat.He had to slaughter a sheep or a goat.

That would be easy. That would be easy.

The difficulty was to start a fire which The difficulty was to start a fire which was a laborious task. was a laborious task.

It could take as long as half a day of It could take as long as half a day of rubbing two dissimilar materials. rubbing two dissimilar materials.

Obviously there were no matches or Obviously there were no matches or lighters in those days. He was lighters in those days. He was procrastinating. procrastinating.

Putting things off for today, or tomorrow Putting things off for today, or tomorrow and his meat problem would be and his meat problem would be solved, he thought … solved, he thought …

"Where is the promised miracle "Where is the promised miracle then!" Mr. Deedat?then!" Mr. Deedat?

So far I have given only the So far I have given only the background to the story. The background to the story. The miracle is to condense all the miracle is to condense all the above and more in just four terse above and more in just four terse verses – four short sentences in verses – four short sentences in the most beautiful prose. the most beautiful prose.

But to appreciate the feat, I must But to appreciate the feat, I must draw your attention to what I draw your attention to what I would like you to notice in what is would like you to notice in what is to me, the acme of journalism.to me, the acme of journalism.

NEWSPAPER PLACARDSNEWSPAPER PLACARDS

I live some thirty kilometers north I live some thirty kilometers north of the city of Durban, where I of the city of Durban, where I have my offices. have my offices.

Prior to the construction of the N2 Prior to the construction of the N2 (Freeway) linking the city of (Freeway) linking the city of Durban, I usually took the beach Durban, I usually took the beach (seaside) road to Durban, this (seaside) road to Durban, this route took me past the route took me past the amphitheatre on the Durban amphitheatre on the Durban beachfront. beachfront.

At the intersection of the amphitheatre I At the intersection of the amphitheatre I regularly observed a news vendor regularly observed a news vendor offering the morning paper – offering the morning paper – "The Natal "The Natal Mercury"Mercury", for sale. He had a placard , for sale. He had a placard daily with headline to attract buyers. daily with headline to attract buyers.

Again and again on reading the placard, I Again and again on reading the placard, I made up my mind not to buy the made up my mind not to buy the newspaper that day, but on parking my newspaper that day, but on parking my car in central Durban on passing other car in central Durban on passing other news vendors, I nevertheless bought the news vendors, I nevertheless bought the paper.paper.

After numerous such changes of After numerous such changes of decision, I began to question decision, I began to question myself as to the reasons for my myself as to the reasons for my change of mind.change of mind.

I discovered that though the same I discovered that though the same newspaper was being offered for newspaper was being offered for sale, the placards were different. sale, the placards were different.

On the beachfront the placards On the beachfront the placards were made appealing to were made appealing to European clientele, whereas the European clientele, whereas the placards in the area I passed placards in the area I passed were directed to the Asian were directed to the Asian community. community.

By extension, the placard for the By extension, the placard for the African and the Coloured areas African and the Coloured areas would be slanted to induce them would be slanted to induce them to buy the same paper.to buy the same paper.

So the master journalist would be So the master journalist would be the one who could invent a single the one who could invent a single placard that would appeal to the placard that would appeal to the four major race groups each day. four major race groups each day.

That would be the masterpiece That would be the masterpiece of journalism!of journalism!

Journalists no doubt all agree with Journalists no doubt all agree with this reasoning. this reasoning.

Let us then analyse the Let us then analyse the Holy Qur'an on this basis.Holy Qur'an on this basis.

UNIVERSAL APPEALUNIVERSAL APPEAL

Muhammad (PBUH), the prophet of Muhammad (PBUH), the prophet of Islam is in Madinah, and is Islam is in Madinah, and is surrounded by Jews, Christians. surrounded by Jews, Christians. Muslims, Mushriks and Munaafiqs Muslims, Mushriks and Munaafiqs in the City. in the City.

The Holy Prophet is to broadcast The Holy Prophet is to broadcast his news (Divine Revelation) to all his news (Divine Revelation) to all these various people. these various people.

"Mushriks""Mushriks": the pagans, the : the pagans, the idolators of Makkah. idolators of Makkah.

"Munaafiqs""Munaafiqs": The hypocrites, : The hypocrites, running with the hare and hunting running with the hare and hunting with the hounds. with the hounds.

What must he write on his placard What must he write on his placard to attract the attention of each of to attract the attention of each of these varied groups? these varied groups?

He is made to proclaim:He is made to proclaim:““HAS THE STORY OF MOSES HAS THE STORY OF MOSES

REACHED YOU?”REACHED YOU?”(SURA TA-HA) (SURA TA-HA) Noble Qur'an 20:9Noble Qur'an 20:9

[English interpretation by A. Yusuf Ali] [English interpretation by A. Yusuf Ali]

Can you imagine the excitement? Can you imagine the excitement?

The Christians and the Jews would be The Christians and the Jews would be waiting to hear further, wanting waiting to hear further, wanting Muhammad (PBUH) to make a fool of Muhammad (PBUH) to make a fool of himself, for they reason within himself, for they reason within themselves what could this Arab know themselves what could this Arab know about Moses (PBUH) since he is an about Moses (PBUH) since he is an ummiummi (unlettered). (unlettered).

The Muslims are thirsty for knowledge, The Muslims are thirsty for knowledge, they would be yearning – please tell us they would be yearning – please tell us everything you can about Moses (PBUH).everything you can about Moses (PBUH).

The The MushriksMushriks and the and the Munaafiqs Munaafiqs were lolling their tongues to enjoy were lolling their tongues to enjoy the three-sided debate on Moses the three-sided debate on Moses (PBUH): between the Muslims, the (PBUH): between the Muslims, the Christians and the Jews. Christians and the Jews.

Everybody is Everybody is "all-ears""all-ears" (acutely (acutely attentive)! attentive)!

Muhammad (PBUH) continues. Muhammad (PBUH) continues.

BEHOLD, HE SAW A FIRE!BEHOLD, HE SAW A FIRE! رأ رأ إذ ىىإذ نارانارا

Dramatization! Dramatization!

You can almost visualize the scene. You can almost visualize the scene.

Muhammad (PBUH) is talking Muhammad (PBUH) is talking telegraphically. telegraphically.

It took about two thousand years It took about two thousand years after the birth of Jesus Christ after the birth of Jesus Christ (PBUH) for the largest Christian (PBUH) for the largest Christian and Jewish nations on earth, the and Jewish nations on earth, the mighty United States to reach the mighty United States to reach the height of perfection in the height of perfection in the advertising field to formulate the advertising field to formulate the slogan, in the words of the slogan, in the words of the Western Union Telegraph Western Union Telegraph Company, Company,

"Don't Write – Telegraph!""Don't Write – Telegraph!"

The mightiest Christian nation on The mightiest Christian nation on earth is the USA because it boasts earth is the USA because it boasts a Christian population of over 200 a Christian population of over 200 million. The USA is also the million. The USA is also the largest Jewish nation because largest Jewish nation because there are more Jews in America there are more Jews in America than in Israel or in any other than in Israel or in any other country. country.

Which school of journalism did Which school of journalism did Muhammad (PBUH) attend to Muhammad (PBUH) attend to master this super American master this super American sizzlemanship? sizzlemanship?

[[SizzlemanshipSizzlemanship: The art of : The art of American high-pressure American high-pressure salesmanship.]salesmanship.]

He is made to carry on:He is made to carry on:

““SO HE SAID TO HIS FAMILY, SO HE SAID TO HIS FAMILY, "TARRY YE; I PERCEIVE A FIRE; "TARRY YE; I PERCEIVE A FIRE; PERHAPS I CAN BRING YOU SOME PERHAPS I CAN BRING YOU SOME BURNING BRAND THEREFROM, OR BURNING BRAND THEREFROM, OR FIND SOME GUIDANCE AT THE FIND SOME GUIDANCE AT THE FIRE".”FIRE".”

(SURA TA-HA) (SURA TA-HA) Noble Qur'an 20:10Noble Qur'an 20:10[English interpretation by A. Yusuf Ali][English interpretation by A. Yusuf Ali]

DICTATING SHORTHAND DICTATING SHORTHAND

Please compare the above with any Please compare the above with any other English translation of the other English translation of the Noble Qur'an by friend or foe, and Noble Qur'an by friend or foe, and you will find the same brevity and you will find the same brevity and economy of words.economy of words.

Muhammad (PBUH) was not doing Muhammad (PBUH) was not doing any exercise in précis writing. any exercise in précis writing.

He was only articulating God's Words He was only articulating God's Words as they were whispered into his as they were whispered into his heart and mind through the heart and mind through the medium of the Archangel Gabriel. medium of the Archangel Gabriel.

We must remember that there was We must remember that there was no Arabic Bible, in the sixth century no Arabic Bible, in the sixth century of the Christian era, when the Holy of the Christian era, when the Holy Prophet dictated the Qur'an. Prophet dictated the Qur'an.

Now do yourself a favour. Now do yourself a favour.

Please contrast this Qur'anic Please contrast this Qur'anic Revelation with the Biblical story as Revelation with the Biblical story as contained in the second Book of the contained in the second Book of the Holy Bible, the Holy Bible, the Book of ExodusBook of Exodus, , chapters 1,2 and 3 which discusses chapters 1,2 and 3 which discusses this very aspect of the life of the this very aspect of the life of the Holy Prophet Moses (PBUH) we are Holy Prophet Moses (PBUH) we are dealing with here. dealing with here.

I quote the beginning of the story I quote the beginning of the story from the Bible –from the Bible –

NOW these are the names of the NOW these are the names of the children of Israel, which came children of Israel, which came into Egypt; every man and his into Egypt; every man and his household came with Jacob.household came with Jacob.

[“Now!” Here we stand again – the once [“Now!” Here we stand again – the once upon a time_ story! Give another glance upon a time_ story! Give another glance to all other examples on the preceding to all other examples on the preceding pages.]pages.]

Reuben, Simeon, Levi, and Reuben, Simeon, Levi, and Judah, Is-sa-char, Ze-bu-lun, Judah, Is-sa-char, Ze-bu-lun, and Benjamin, Dan, and Naph-and Benjamin, Dan, and Naph-ta-li, Gad, and Asher,ta-li, Gad, and Asher,

And all the souls that came out And all the souls that came out of the loins of Jacob were of the loins of Jacob were seventy souls: for Joseph was seventy souls: for Joseph was in Egypt already,in Egypt already,

(HOLY BIBLE) (HOLY BIBLE) Exodus 1:1-5Exodus 1:1-5

CHAPTER 3 (Contd.)CHAPTER 3 (Contd.)

MOSES SET-UPMOSES SET-UP

Simply warming up! Simply warming up!

Is this how God speaks? Is this how God speaks?

Please compare these five verses Please compare these five verses from the Bible with the four from the Bible with the four verses from the Holy Qur'an verses from the Holy Qur'an reproduced below.reproduced below.

To continue with the Qur'anic To continue with the Qur'anic narrative, Moses (PBUH) was hungry narrative, Moses (PBUH) was hungry for two things whilst wandering in for two things whilst wandering in the Sinai with his flock and family. the Sinai with his flock and family.

He wanted 'fire' to cook his meat, and He wanted 'fire' to cook his meat, and 'direction' to some hospitable 'direction' to some hospitable community in the desert. community in the desert.

Allah was unfolding his plan.Allah was unfolding his plan.

Moses (PBUH) was being 'SET-UP' Moses (PBUH) was being 'SET-UP' for his mission from the illusion of for his mission from the illusion of burning coal to the reality of the burning coal to the reality of the spiritual fire burning in the souls spiritual fire burning in the souls of mankind for thousands of years of mankind for thousands of years and a true direction for the and a true direction for the guidance of humanity.guidance of humanity.

The 'fire' that Moses (PBUH) saw, The 'fire' that Moses (PBUH) saw, was no ordinary fire. was no ordinary fire.

To him it meant an easy kindling of To him it meant an easy kindling of his own fire, the fire also his own fire, the fire also indicated the presence of other indicated the presence of other human beings from whom he human beings from whom he could get information: and could get information: and guidance.guidance.

““BUT WHEN HE CAME TO THE BUT WHEN HE CAME TO THE FIRE, A VOICE WAS HEARD: "O FIRE, A VOICE WAS HEARD: "O MOSES! VERILY I AM THY MOSES! VERILY I AM THY LORD! THEREFORE (IN MY LORD! THEREFORE (IN MY PRESENCE) PUT OFF THY PRESENCE) PUT OFF THY SHOES: THOU ART IN THE SHOES: THOU ART IN THE SACRED VALLEY OF TUWA".”SACRED VALLEY OF TUWA".”

(SURA TA-HA) (SURA TA-HA) Holy Qur'an 20:11-12Holy Qur'an 20:11-12[English interpretation by A. Yusuf Ali][English interpretation by A. Yusuf Ali]

The spiritual history of Moses The spiritual history of Moses (PBUH) begins here and this was (PBUH) begins here and this was his spiritual birth. his spiritual birth.

In Biblical terminology – "In Biblical terminology – "This day This day have I begotten thee!" have I begotten thee!" this is this is how God spoke to David (pbuh) how God spoke to David (pbuh) about his appointment, in the about his appointment, in the Book of Psalms 2:7.Book of Psalms 2:7.

The whole Qur'anic passage above is The whole Qur'anic passage above is full of the highest mystic meaning, full of the highest mystic meaning, which is reflected in the short which is reflected in the short rhymed verses in the original rhymed verses in the original (Arabic). (Arabic).

Both the rhythm and the meaning in Both the rhythm and the meaning in the text suggest the highest the text suggest the highest mystery. mystery.

For easier comparison I reproduce the For easier comparison I reproduce the four verses together -four verses together -

““Has the story of Moses reached you? Has the story of Moses reached you? Behold, he saw a fire: so he said to his Behold, he saw a fire: so he said to his

family, tarry ye; I perceive a fire, family, tarry ye; I perceive a fire, perhaps I can bring you some perhaps I can bring you some burning brand therefrom, or find burning brand therefrom, or find some guidance at the fire". some guidance at the fire".

But when he came to the fire, a voice But when he came to the fire, a voice was heard: "O Moses! was heard: "O Moses!

Verily I am thy Lord! Therefore (in my Verily I am thy Lord! Therefore (in my presence) put off thy shoes: for thou presence) put off thy shoes: for thou art in the sacred valley of Tuwa.”art in the sacred valley of Tuwa.”

(SURA TA-HA) (SURA TA-HA) Holy Qur'an 20:9-12Holy Qur'an 20:9-12[English interpretation by A. Yusuf Ali][English interpretation by A. Yusuf Ali]

TuwaTuwa was the valley just below Mount was the valley just below Mount Sinai, where subsequently Moses Sinai, where subsequently Moses (PBUH) was to receive the Law. (PBUH) was to receive the Law.

In the parallel mystic meaning we are In the parallel mystic meaning we are selected by trials in this humble life, selected by trials in this humble life, whose valley is just as sacred and whose valley is just as sacred and receive God's glory just as much as receive God's glory just as much as the heights of the Mount (Tur) Sinai, if the heights of the Mount (Tur) Sinai, if we but have the insight to perceive it. we but have the insight to perceive it.

And the And the 'shoes''shoes' were to be put off were to be put off as a mark of respect. as a mark of respect.

In the parallel mystic meaning In the parallel mystic meaning again, Moses (PBUH) was now to again, Moses (PBUH) was now to put away his mere worldly put away his mere worldly interests, and anything of mere interests, and anything of mere worldly utility, he having been worldly utility, he having been chosen by the Most High God.chosen by the Most High God.

WHAT IS YOUR VERDICT?WHAT IS YOUR VERDICT?

How is one, inured to folklore and How is one, inured to folklore and fairy tales to evaluate this pure fairy tales to evaluate this pure elixir from Heaven? elixir from Heaven?

Even a sympathetic critic like Thomas Even a sympathetic critic like Thomas Carlyle, one of the greatest thinkers Carlyle, one of the greatest thinkers of the past century, could not of the past century, could not fathom its incisive brevity and fathom its incisive brevity and prespicuousness. prespicuousness.

He called the Qur'anic reading -He called the Qur'anic reading -

""A WEARISOME CONFUSED A WEARISOME CONFUSED JUMBLE CRUDE, INCONDITE; - JUMBLE CRUDE, INCONDITE; - INSUPPORTABLE STUPIDITY…"INSUPPORTABLE STUPIDITY…"

Incondite, meaning a badly Incondite, meaning a badly constructed literary or artistic constructed literary or artistic composition: and 'unsupportable composition: and 'unsupportable stupidity?' stupidity?'

After contrasting the Qur'anic and the After contrasting the Qur'anic and the Biblical narrations, how would your verdict Biblical narrations, how would your verdict go?go?

I have yet to come across a journalist who I have yet to come across a journalist who failed to recognize the brilliance of failed to recognize the brilliance of Muhammad (PBUH), in dictating direct Muhammad (PBUH), in dictating direct facts, without any attempt on his part at facts, without any attempt on his part at analyzing or interpreting it.analyzing or interpreting it.

Exactly as a master journalist would do for Exactly as a master journalist would do for today's newspaper or magazine. today's newspaper or magazine.

It is nothing short of the It is nothing short of the miraculous! miraculous!

Do you agree?Do you agree?

CHAPTER FOURCHAPTER FOUR

Miraculous Book of Miraculous Book of TelegramsTelegrams

The Noble Qur'an can be The Noble Qur'an can be appropriately described as appropriately described as 'A 'A Book of Telegrams'Book of Telegrams'..

For this is how the Book was For this is how the Book was revealed in the form of revealed in the form of telegraphically addressed telegraphically addressed Messages in answer to the Messages in answer to the questions on:questions on:

1. ALCOHOL AND 1. ALCOHOL AND GAMES OF CHANCEGAMES OF CHANCE

““THEY ASK THEE CONCERNING THEY ASK THEE CONCERNING WINE AND GAMBLING.WINE AND GAMBLING. SAY: "IN THEM IS GREAT SIN, SAY: "IN THEM IS GREAT SIN, AND SOME PROFIT, FOR MEN; AND SOME PROFIT, FOR MEN; BUT THE SIN IS GREATER BUT THE SIN IS GREATER THAN THE PROFIT".THAN THE PROFIT".““

““AND THEY ASK THEE HOW AND THEY ASK THEE HOW MUCH THEY ARE TO SPEND MUCH THEY ARE TO SPEND (IN CHARITY); (IN CHARITY); SAY: "WHAT IS BEYOND YOUR SAY: "WHAT IS BEYOND YOUR NEEDS", NEEDS", THUS DOTH ALLAH MAKE THUS DOTH ALLAH MAKE CLEAR TO YOU HIS SIGNS: CLEAR TO YOU HIS SIGNS: IN ORDER THAT YE MAY IN ORDER THAT YE MAY REFLECT–”REFLECT–”(SURA BAQARAH) (SURA BAQARAH) Holy Qur'an 2:11-219Holy Qur'an 2:11-219

[English interpretation by A. Yusuf Ali][English interpretation by A. Yusuf Ali]

"SAY!" "SAY!" That is Muhammad (PBUH) is That is Muhammad (PBUH) is commanded to commanded to answeranswer: "tell them!" O : "tell them!" O Muhammad! "Proclaim, express it in Muhammad! "Proclaim, express it in words, utter aloud, pronounce, speak words, utter aloud, pronounce, speak out!".out!".

I cannot urge too strongly upon my I cannot urge too strongly upon my Muslim brethren to memorize the Muslim brethren to memorize the verses in Arabic with their English verses in Arabic with their English meaning and share it with all who will meaning and share it with all who will give you a hearing.give you a hearing.

QUR'AN AND HADITHQUR'AN AND HADITH

The above is just one example of The above is just one example of how God speaks! Other examples how God speaks! Other examples are to follow. Can any sincere are to follow. Can any sincere seeker of truth be convinced in seeker of truth be convinced in any easier way? The answer is any easier way? The answer is 'No!' Yet He (God) Reasons with 'No!' Yet He (God) Reasons with the recalcitrant in the following the recalcitrant in the following words: words:

““Say: "Are the blind equal, Say: "Are the blind equal, With those who see?“”With those who see?“”

(SURA RA`D) (SURA RA`D) Holy Qur'an 13:16Holy Qur'an 13:16[English interpretation by A. Yusuf Ali][English interpretation by A. Yusuf Ali]

Of course not!Of course not!

Now compare the above Words of Now compare the above Words of God Almighty on the subject of God Almighty on the subject of "WINE" (intoxicants) with the words "WINE" (intoxicants) with the words of His Chosen Messenger of His Chosen Messenger Muhammad (PBUH), NOT Muhammad (PBUH), NOT FORGETTING that the above verse FORGETTING that the above verse 2:219 and what follows from the 2:219 and what follows from the HadithHadith below were heard from the below were heard from the lips of the Prophet (PBUH) and lips of the Prophet (PBUH) and recorded by his Companions. recorded by his Companions.

Ibn-Anas (RA) reported that the Ibn-Anas (RA) reported that the Messenger of Allah cursed every Messenger of Allah cursed every one who was associated in any one who was associated in any way with the production and way with the production and consumption of any kind of consumption of any kind of intoxicating beverages. intoxicating beverages.

He said: He said:

Cursed is he who grows grapes Cursed is he who grows grapes for brewing.for brewing.

Cursed is he who sells it.Cursed is he who sells it. Cursed is he who crushes it.Cursed is he who crushes it. Cursed is he who bottles its, Cursed is he who bottles its,

andand Cursed is he who drinks it, Cursed is he who drinks it,

or words to this effect. or words to this effect.

It is brewing or fermenting that It is brewing or fermenting that invites the curse. invites the curse.

Otherwise, the planting of fruit Otherwise, the planting of fruit trees for the purpose of eating or trees for the purpose of eating or selling their fruits is an act of selling their fruits is an act of virtue for which Allah will reward virtue for which Allah will reward us.us.

The Holy Prophet (PBUH) is also The Holy Prophet (PBUH) is also reported to have said:reported to have said:

"Whatever intoxicates if taken "Whatever intoxicates if taken in greater quantity is also in greater quantity is also forbidden in smaller forbidden in smaller quantity".quantity".

There is no excuse in the House of There is no excuse in the House of Islam for a nip or a tot, unlike Islam for a nip or a tot, unlike Paul's advice to Timothy –Paul's advice to Timothy –

"Drink no longer water, but use "Drink no longer water, but use a little wine for thy stomach's a little wine for thy stomach's sake and thine often sake and thine often infirmities.infirmities.

(Holy Bible) (Holy Bible) 1 Timothy 5:231 Timothy 5:23

Or Solomon's sanguine yet humorous Or Solomon's sanguine yet humorous recommendation for enslaving and recommendation for enslaving and subjugating a conquered people:subjugating a conquered people:

"Give strong drink unto him that is "Give strong drink unto him that is ready to perish, and wine unto ready to perish, and wine unto those that be of heavy hearts".those that be of heavy hearts".

Let them drink, and forget his Let them drink, and forget his poverty, and remember his misery poverty, and remember his misery no more".no more".

(Holy Bible)(Holy Bible) Proverbs 31:6-7 Proverbs 31:6-7

Hard liquor is for sick men at Hard liquor is for sick men at the brink of death and wine the brink of death and wine for those in deep depression.for those in deep depression._ _

Is the alternative rendering of the Is the alternative rendering of the verse in the verse in the Living Bible,Living Bible,_ not a _ not a sure dath to the dying?sure dath to the dying?

Lest we forget, please look again at Lest we forget, please look again at the Qur'anic diction and the the Qur'anic diction and the words of the Prophet (PBUH) words of the Prophet (PBUH) above, and you cannot help above, and you cannot help agreeing that the two are words agreeing that the two are words apart in style, structure, and apart in style, structure, and sublimity though articulated by sublimity though articulated by the same lips.the same lips.

2. NEW MOONS2. NEW MOONS

Another example is replying Another example is replying telegraphically to a question regarding telegraphically to a question regarding the new moonsthe new moons

““They ask thee concerning the new They ask thee concerning the new moons.moons.

Say:Say: they are but signs to mark they are but signs to mark fixed periods of time in (the affairs) fixed periods of time in (the affairs) of men, and for pilgrimage.”of men, and for pilgrimage.”

(SURA BAQARAH) (SURA BAQARAH) Holy Qur'an 2:189Holy Qur'an 2:189[English interpretation by A. Yusuf Ali][English interpretation by A. Yusuf Ali]

"There were many superstitions "There were many superstitions connected with the New Moon, as there connected with the New Moon, as there are to the present day. We are told to are to the present day. We are told to disregard such superstitions. disregard such superstitions.

As a measure of time, where the lunar As a measure of time, where the lunar calendar is used, the New Moon is one calendar is used, the New Moon is one great sign, for which people watch with great sign, for which people watch with eagerness. eagerness.

Muslim festivals, including the Pilgrimage, Muslim festivals, including the Pilgrimage, are fixed by the appearance of the New are fixed by the appearance of the New Moon".Moon".

A.Yusuf AliA.Yusuf Ali

A telegram, in an identical vein to A telegram, in an identical vein to the question of –the question of –

3. C-H-A-R-I-T-Y 3. C-H-A-R-I-T-Y

““They ask thee (O Muhammad!) what They ask thee (O Muhammad!) what they should spend (in charity).they should spend (in charity).

Say:Say: whatever ye spend that is good, whatever ye spend that is good, Is for parents and kindred and Is for parents and kindred and orphans and those in want and for orphans and those in want and for wayfarers.wayfarers.

And whatever ye do that is good, - And whatever ye do that is good, - Allah knoweth it well.”Allah knoweth it well.”

(SURA BAQARAH) (SURA BAQARAH) Holy Qur'an 2:215Holy Qur'an 2:215[English interpretation by A. Yusuf Ali] [English interpretation by A. Yusuf Ali]

Three question arise in charity:Three question arise in charity: What shall we give?What shall we give? To whom shall we give?To whom shall we give? How shall we give?How shall we give?

The answer is here, giving anything The answer is here, giving anything that is good, useful, helpful, that is good, useful, helpful, valuable. valuable.

It may be property or money; it It may be property or money; it may be a helpful hand; it may be may be a helpful hand; it may be advice, it may be a kind word:advice, it may be a kind word: "WHATEVER YE DO THAT IS "WHATEVER YE DO THAT IS GOOD" GOOD" is is charity.charity.

On the other hand, if you throw away On the other hand, if you throw away what is useless, there is no charity what is useless, there is no charity in it.in it.

Or if you give something with harmful Or if you give something with harmful intent, e.g. a sword to a madman, or intent, e.g. a sword to a madman, or a drug or sweets or even money to a drug or sweets or even money to some one whom you want to entrap some one whom you want to entrap or corrupt.or corrupt.

““IT IS NO CHARITY BUT A GIFT OF IT IS NO CHARITY BUT A GIFT OF DAMNATION".DAMNATION".

TO WHOM SHOULD TO WHOM SHOULD YOU GIVE?YOU GIVE?

It may be tempting to earn the It may be tempting to earn the world’s praise by a gift that will world’s praise by a gift that will be talked about, but are you be talked about, but are you meeting the needs of those who meeting the needs of those who have the first claim on you? have the first claim on you?

If you are not, YOU ARE A PERSON If you are not, YOU ARE A PERSON WHO DEFRAUDS CREDITORS: it is WHO DEFRAUDS CREDITORS: it is not charity!not charity!

"Every gift is judged by its unselfish "Every gift is judged by its unselfish character: the degree of need or character: the degree of need or claim is a factor which you must claim is a factor which you must consider.consider.

If you disregard it, there is If you disregard it, there is something selfish behind it. something selfish behind it.

HOW SHOULD IT BE HOW SHOULD IT BE GIVEN?GIVEN?

As in the sight of Allah; it shuts out As in the sight of Allah; it shuts out all pretence, show, and all pretence, show, and insincerity".insincerity".

A. Yusuf AliA. Yusuf Ali

Muhammad (PBUH) received yet Muhammad (PBUH) received yet another telegram in answer to the another telegram in answer to the query in the nature of: -query in the nature of: -

4. THE SOUL4. THE SOUL

““They ask thee (O Muhammad!) They ask thee (O Muhammad!) concerning (the nature of) the soul.concerning (the nature of) the soul.

Say:Say: "The soul is by the command of "The soul is by the command of my Lord: And of the knowledge of it my Lord: And of the knowledge of it very little is communicated to you, very little is communicated to you, (O Men!)“”(O Men!)“”

(SURA BANI ISRA-IL) (SURA BANI ISRA-IL) Holy Qur'an 17:85Holy Qur'an 17:85[English interpretation by A. Yusuf Ali][English interpretation by A. Yusuf Ali]

I cannot help over-emphasizing the I cannot help over-emphasizing the fact that:fact that:

THE RECITATION OF THE HOLY THE RECITATION OF THE HOLY QUR’AN IS UNLIKE ANY OTHER QUR’AN IS UNLIKE ANY OTHER BOOK ON EARTH. BOOK ON EARTH.

IT SPEAKS STRAIGHT AND TO IT SPEAKS STRAIGHT AND TO THE POINT. THE POINT.

THERE ARE NO IFS AND BUTS, THERE ARE NO IFS AND BUTS, NO PREVARICATIONS, NO NO PREVARICATIONS, NO BEATING ABOUT THE BUSH.BEATING ABOUT THE BUSH.

In the whole vast volume you will In the whole vast volume you will not get the type of script out of not get the type of script out of which a "box-office hit", or a which a "box-office hit", or a record breaking film like the record breaking film like the "Ten "Ten Commandments"Commandments",, "Samson "Samson and Delilah"and Delilah", or a, or a "David and "David and Bath-sheba"Bath-sheba" can be produced can be produced for the silver screen – the cinema. for the silver screen – the cinema.

In this regard, the Holy Bible is the In this regard, the Holy Bible is the script writer's delight. script writer's delight.

It is all there for easy transmuting It is all there for easy transmuting into pots of gold! into pots of gold!

While we are at it, let me remind my While we are at it, let me remind my readers that search as you may you readers that search as you may you will not find within the covers of the will not find within the covers of the Holy Qur'an even the name of Holy Qur'an even the name of Muhammad's (PBUH) father or Muhammad's (PBUH) father or mother.mother.

You will not discover the names of his You will not discover the names of his wives or the names of his daughters, wives or the names of his daughters, nor the names of his beloved nor the names of his beloved companions. companions.

Amazingly! though you will find a Amazingly! though you will find a whole chapter dedicated to Mary, whole chapter dedicated to Mary, the mother of Jesus Christ (PBUH) the mother of Jesus Christ (PBUH) … … Sura MaryamSura Maryam, , or Mary, or Mary, chapter 19 of the Holy Qur'an. chapter 19 of the Holy Qur'an.

Jesus (Jesus (PBUHPBUH) is mentioned in ) is mentioned in this Book of God no less than this Book of God no less than twenty-five times, whereas twenty-five times, whereas the name of the Prophet the name of the Prophet ((PBUHPBUH) only five times) only five times, ,

Reason? Reason?

Are Jesus and his mother more Are Jesus and his mother more important than Muhammad and important than Muhammad and his mother (peace be upon them his mother (peace be upon them all)? all)?

"No! not at all" "No! not at all"

Then why this infordinate coverage? Then why this infordinate coverage?

Simply because the integrity of Simply because the integrity of Jesus and his mother (peace be Jesus and his mother (peace be upon them) was at stake. upon them) was at stake.

There were various false charges, There were various false charges, insinuations and innuendos insinuations and innuendos against mother and son which against mother and son which had to be cleared. had to be cleared.

Hence the story of the annunciation, Hence the story of the annunciation, the immaculate conception and the the immaculate conception and the birth of Jesus (PBUH) had to be birth of Jesus (PBUH) had to be recorded. recorded.

Nobody ever questioned the genealogy Nobody ever questioned the genealogy of the Prophet of Islam at any time, of the Prophet of Islam at any time, therefore not a word was wasted in therefore not a word was wasted in the whole book about the Prophet's the whole book about the Prophet's birth or parentage. birth or parentage.

The Qur'an is not a biography The Qur'an is not a biography of Muhammad (PBUH)! of Muhammad (PBUH)!

This is difficult for the unbeliever to This is difficult for the unbeliever to understand. understand.

Let us give one more example of Let us give one more example of the telegraphic communication the telegraphic communication from the Holy Qur'an on the from the Holy Qur'an on the subject of the Last Day, the End subject of the Last Day, the End of Time, that is – of Time, that is –

5. THE FINAL HOUR5. THE FINAL HOUR

““They ask thee (O Muhammad!) They ask thee (O Muhammad!) about the (final) hour – when will about the (final) hour – when will be its appointed time?be its appointed time?

Say: "the knowledge thereof is with Say: "the knowledge thereof is with my Lord (alone): none but He can my Lord (alone): none but He can reveal as to when it will occur.reveal as to when it will occur.

Heavy were its burden through the Heavy were its burden through the heavens and the earth.heavens and the earth.

Only, all of a sudden will it come to Only, all of a sudden will it come to you.“”you.“”

(SURA A`RAF) (SURA A`RAF) Holy Qur'an 7:187Holy Qur'an 7:187[English interpretation by A. Yusuf Ali][English interpretation by A. Yusuf Ali]

A simple test to distinguish A simple test to distinguish man-made books from the man-made books from the Word of God. Word of God.

It will be worth while to compare It will be worth while to compare this one verse above with thethis one verse above with the whole of chapter thirteen of the whole of chapter thirteen of the Gospel of St. Mark, which uses all Gospel of St. Mark, which uses all of the thirty-seven verses there to of the thirty-seven verses there to reach the conclusion of the single reach the conclusion of the single aayahaayah (verse) above. (verse) above.

You will find the Qur'an free from You will find the Qur'an free from frills and verboseness!.frills and verboseness!.

Many other examples can be given Many other examples can be given from the Book of God to prove that from the Book of God to prove that its narration is not in the style of its narration is not in the style of men; that it is an absolutely men; that it is an absolutely unique Book. unique Book.

In fact a volume can be written on In fact a volume can be written on this theme itself. this theme itself.

However we will end this chapter However we will end this chapter with one last example from the with one last example from the Noble Qur'an. Noble Qur'an.

It is a classical short chapter of only four It is a classical short chapter of only four verses:verses:

SAY: He is God, SAY: He is God, The One and Only, The One and Only, God, the Eternal, Absolute; God, the Eternal, Absolute; He begetteth not,He begetteth not,

Nor is He begotten; Nor is He begotten; And there is none And there is none

Like unto Him.Like unto Him. (SURA IKHLAS)(SURA IKHLAS) Noble Qur’an 112:1-4 Noble Qur’an 112:1-4

[English interpretation by A. Yusuf Ali][English interpretation by A. Yusuf Ali]

All the four verses put together are All the four verses put together are less in wording than the five less in wording than the five examples of a single verse each examples of a single verse each given above. You will note five given above. You will note five numbers to the four verses, Nos. numbers to the four verses, Nos. 6296 to 6300. 6296 to 6300.

In the complete translation of A. In the complete translation of A. Yusuf Ali, you will find his learned Yusuf Ali, you will find his learned commentary. You may or may not commentary. You may or may not agree with his elucidations. agree with his elucidations.

They are not infallible. They are not infallible.

The word of God The word of God IS THE ARABIC IS THE ARABIC TEXTTEXT, and the English is , and the English is accepted as the best human accepted as the best human effort at translation.effort at translation.

You will do yourself and your You will do yourself and your Muslim and non-Muslim friends a Muslim and non-Muslim friends a great favour by making this great favour by making this translation available to them.translation available to them.

I will now give you my own I will now give you my own observation from the angle of observation from the angle of Revelation that we are discussing, Revelation that we are discussing, e.g., e.g.,

Divine inspiration – Word of God, Divine inspiration – Word of God, under the title:under the title:

ACID TEST OF ACID TEST OF THEOLOGY THEOLOGY

6. ACID TEST OF 6. ACID TEST OF THEOLOGYTHEOLOGY

On the authority of the Messenger On the authority of the Messenger of Allah, it is universally accepted of Allah, it is universally accepted that a Muslim reciting the above that a Muslim reciting the above four verses in its original form, four verses in its original form, three times, will derive the three times, will derive the spiritual blessings of reading the spiritual blessings of reading the whole Qur'an. whole Qur'an.

What makes this short What makes this short SuraSura (chapter) so invaluable? (chapter) so invaluable?

It is not the sound, nor the music of It is not the sound, nor the music of that inimitable symphony which that inimitable symphony which move men to ecstasy and tears. move men to ecstasy and tears.

It is the Message, that acid test of It is the Message, that acid test of religion which gives it that high religion which gives it that high and sublime status.and sublime status.

There is not a theology, or a There is not a theology, or a concept of God which is out of the concept of God which is out of the purview of these four short purview of these four short verses. verses.

They are the touchstones about the They are the touchstones about the knowledge of God. knowledge of God.

Through these you can accept or Through these you can accept or reject any idea of God, or know reject any idea of God, or know right from wrong. right from wrong.

This is exactly like the This is exactly like the "touchstone""touchstone" the jewellers use the jewellers use for testing gold. Ask a jeweller for testing gold. Ask a jeweller friend how a touchstone works. friend how a touchstone works.

How did our Qur'anic How did our Qur'anic touchstone come about? touchstone come about?

FROM THE "HEAD FROM THE "HEAD COMPUTER"COMPUTER"

Arrangements were under way for Arrangements were under way for me to visit Zambia on a lecture me to visit Zambia on a lecture tour in mid-1975. tour in mid-1975.

I received a phone call from Lusaka I received a phone call from Lusaka that an air ticket was sent to that an air ticket was sent to Durban which I could pick up from Durban which I could pick up from the headquarters of the South the headquarters of the South African Airways in the city centre. African Airways in the city centre.

I walked up to the airways office and I walked up to the airways office and approached the information counter approached the information counter and told the man in charge that I had and told the man in charge that I had come to pick up my air ticket which come to pick up my air ticket which had been sent from Lusaka. had been sent from Lusaka.

He told me to see one of the ladies, out He told me to see one of the ladies, out of a dozen that were seated in a semi-of a dozen that were seated in a semi-circle, each with a computer terminal circle, each with a computer terminal with a visual screen in front. with a visual screen in front.

As most of them were attending to As most of them were attending to other customers, I asked "Which other customers, I asked "Which one?" one?"

The officer was obviously irritated and The officer was obviously irritated and flayed his hands and said roughly, flayed his hands and said roughly, "Any one!" Pointing in the direction "Any one!" Pointing in the direction of the seated ladies.of the seated ladies.

At that moment, I could not At that moment, I could not understand the reason for this understand the reason for this otherwise polite gentleman getting otherwise polite gentleman getting ruffled with my humble and innocent ruffled with my humble and innocent question. question.

I was looking forward to receiving a I was looking forward to receiving a long booklet of ticket vouchers. long booklet of ticket vouchers.

I had handled and used them a few I had handled and used them a few times before in my life so there was times before in my life so there was no mistaking in what I was no mistaking in what I was anticipating. anticipating.

How can any one of those women How can any one of those women have my ticket? I wondered. But the have my ticket? I wondered. But the irritated tone of the man's voice left irritated tone of the man's voice left me no choice but to seek further me no choice but to seek further information as indicated. information as indicated.

Sheepishly, I approached the fist Sheepishly, I approached the fist lady that I saw free to serve and lady that I saw free to serve and told her of my mission. told her of my mission.

I was informed about a ticket I was informed about a ticket waiting to be picked up. waiting to be picked up.

She asked me my name which I She asked me my name which I spelled out for her. spelled out for her.

As I spelt it, she began typing it on As I spelt it, she began typing it on the keyboard before her. the keyboard before her.

She was watching the screen as She was watching the screen as she typed. I could not see the she typed. I could not see the wording from where I stood. wording from where I stood.

She nodded her head and said, She nodded her head and said, "Yes", suggesting that she had "Yes", suggesting that she had got it. got it.

I said that I wanted to leave Durban I said that I wanted to leave Durban for Johannesburg on Tuesday for Johannesburg on Tuesday evening. evening.

She offered me a 6 p.m. flight which I She offered me a 6 p.m. flight which I accepted, and she punched a few accepted, and she punched a few more words on the keyboard. more words on the keyboard.

I told her, further, that I wanted to I told her, further, that I wanted to leave Johannesburg to arrive in leave Johannesburg to arrive in Lusaka at about 3 p.m. the next day. Lusaka at about 3 p.m. the next day.

That was the instruction from my That was the instruction from my hosts there as they wanted the hosts there as they wanted the news media and the TV news to news media and the TV news to cover my arrival.cover my arrival.

She typed some more words and She typed some more words and enquired whether I wanted to go enquired whether I wanted to go to Lusaka via Gaborone or Maputo.to Lusaka via Gaborone or Maputo.

I said, it didn't matter as long as I I said, it didn't matter as long as I arrived at my destination on arrived at my destination on Wednesday at 3 p.m. Wednesday at 3 p.m.

She hit the keyboard again and She hit the keyboard again and scanning the screen said, "I am sorry scanning the screen said, "I am sorry but you are booked on Zambian but you are booked on Zambian Airlines.Airlines.

““We cannot transfer your ticket to We cannot transfer your ticket to another airline because we cannot another airline because we cannot contact Zambian Airlines today as contact Zambian Airlines today as they are closed on account of a they are closed on account of a national holiday in that country". national holiday in that country".

So I was asked to return the next So I was asked to return the next day. Very interesting! day. Very interesting!

I thought, but I was sorely I thought, but I was sorely disappointed as the ticket was disappointed as the ticket was almost within my reach but not almost within my reach but not within my grasp. within my grasp.

I still imagined that she had the I still imagined that she had the tickets in her desk drawer.tickets in her desk drawer.

IGNORANCE REMOVED IGNORANCE REMOVED

In my puzzlement, I asked her, In my puzzlement, I asked her, "Where did you get all that "Where did you get all that information from?“information from?“

She said, "It was from the Head She said, "It was from the Head Computer in Johannesburg". Computer in Johannesburg".

She was kind enough to explain She was kind enough to explain further that every other computer further that every other computer in the country with similar end in the country with similar end terminals had access to that terminals had access to that computer at the press of a button. computer at the press of a button.

I I enquired that whilst she was trying enquired that whilst she was trying to book me on that 6 p.m. flight to to book me on that 6 p.m. flight to Johannesburg, and if there was Johannesburg, and if there was only one seat left, and if there only one seat left, and if there were other terminals trying for were other terminals trying for that seat, what would happen? that seat, what would happen?

She said the first one within the She said the first one within the second would get the seat and the second would get the seat and the rest would draw a blank. I thanked rest would draw a blank. I thanked her profusely and left the airways her profusely and left the airways building. building.

On my way back to my office, my mind On my way back to my office, my mind began to buzz with ideas. began to buzz with ideas.

This is how it happened, I thought, I This is how it happened, I thought, I mean the mean the wahywahy (the Revelation of God (the Revelation of God to Muhammad (PBUH)) His Chosen to Muhammad (PBUH)) His Chosen Messenger, came from the "Head Messenger, came from the "Head Computer" – THE PRESERVED TABLET!:Computer" – THE PRESERVED TABLET!:

““Nay this is a Glorious Qur’an,Nay this is a Glorious Qur’an,(Inscribed) in a Tablet Preserved!”(Inscribed) in a Tablet Preserved!”

(SURA BURUJ) (SURA BURUJ) Noble Qur’an 85: 21-22 Noble Qur’an 85: 21-22 [English interpretation by A. Yusuf Ali][English interpretation by A. Yusuf Ali]

This This "Tablet""Tablet" is not like the one is not like the one Moses (PBUH) used for inscribing Moses (PBUH) used for inscribing the Ten Commandments, a tablet the Ten Commandments, a tablet of stone. of stone.

It is unlike the ones teachers use in It is unlike the ones teachers use in schools, called "blackboards" or schools, called "blackboards" or "green boards". "green boards".

Neither it is the Tablet of a computer Neither it is the Tablet of a computer screen or the silicone chip. screen or the silicone chip.

It is God's Own tablet guarded and It is God's Own tablet guarded and protected.protected.

It is not to be understood in any It is not to be understood in any material sense for it is not made material sense for it is not made of stone or metal.of stone or metal.

IT IS SPIRITUAL!IT IS SPIRITUAL! How does it operate? How does it operate? We can only guess –We can only guess –

CHRISTIANS FROM CHRISTIANS FROM NAJRANNAJRAN

Whilst Islam was getting a firm Whilst Islam was getting a firm foothold in Madinah, the foothold in Madinah, the reputation of the Messenger of reputation of the Messenger of God spread throughout the length God spread throughout the length and breadth of Arabia. and breadth of Arabia.

A community of Arab Christians living in A community of Arab Christians living in Najran, around Yemen, heard that an Najran, around Yemen, heard that an Arab in Arabia was now claiming Divine Arab in Arabia was now claiming Divine inspiration and had proclaimed himself to inspiration and had proclaimed himself to be the mouthpiece of God – a Prophet. be the mouthpiece of God – a Prophet.

A deputation set out for Madinah to cross-A deputation set out for Madinah to cross-examine the Prophet, to match their wits examine the Prophet, to match their wits against his to test his knowledge about against his to test his knowledge about God and religion in general.God and religion in general.

On their arrival they were housed On their arrival they were housed in al- in al- Masjid an-NabawiMasjid an-Nabawi (the (the Prophet’s mosque): a simple Prophet’s mosque): a simple structure of mud walls with a structure of mud walls with a thatched roof of palm leaves. thatched roof of palm leaves.

The Christians, ate and slept in the The Christians, ate and slept in the Mosque and had discussions with Mosque and had discussions with the Messenger for three days and the Messenger for three days and three nights in the mosque. three nights in the mosque.

The details of the dialogue can be The details of the dialogue can be found in the Books of Traditions.found in the Books of Traditions.

During the course of the dialogue, During the course of the dialogue, the spokesman for the Christians, the spokesman for the Christians,

amongst many other things, amongst many other things, posed the question, "posed the question, "Now tell us Now tell us

O Muhammad, what is your O Muhammad, what is your concept of Godconcept of God?" ?"

The Prophet did not prevaricate, he The Prophet did not prevaricate, he did not beat around the bush, did not beat around the bush, fumbling for words and ideas, to fumbling for words and ideas, to gather his thoughts, as anyone of gather his thoughts, as anyone of us would have done if we did not us would have done if we did not have a ready answer. have a ready answer.

Muhammad (PBUH), so to speak, Muhammad (PBUH), so to speak, presses his spiritual buttons presses his spiritual buttons (there were no buttons to press) (there were no buttons to press) but as I said: but as I said: "So to speak""So to speak" as if, as if, like the lady above, in the airways like the lady above, in the airways office contacting the "Head office contacting the "Head Computer." Computer."

He is seeking an answer from Allah He is seeking an answer from Allah through the "PRESERVED through the "PRESERVED TABLET", the head computer of all TABLET", the head computer of all revelational knowledge. revelational knowledge.

He is asking, again I said, so to He is asking, again I said, so to speak "O my Lord! What shall I speak "O my Lord! What shall I say?" say?"

Came the answer – Came the answer –

““Say: (O Muhammad) He is Allah Say: (O Muhammad) He is Allah the one and only; the one and only; Allah, the eternal absolute; Allah, the eternal absolute;

He begetteth not, nor is He He begetteth not, nor is He begotten, begotten, And there is none like unto And there is none like unto him.”him.”

((SURA IKHLASSURA IKHLAS ) )Npble Qur'an 112:1-4Npble Qur'an 112:1-4[English interpretation by A. Yusuf Ali][English interpretation by A. Yusuf Ali]

After uttering the above formula on After uttering the above formula on the Purity of Faith, the the Purity of Faith, the conversation returned to the conversation returned to the usual discourse of words. usual discourse of words.

No Arab worth his name could have No Arab worth his name could have missed the difference in tone and missed the difference in tone and intensity between the two intensity between the two discourses. discourses.

The words above were not the The words above were not the Prophet's but were God's words. Prophet's but were God's words.

They were literally being put into They were literally being put into his mouth. his mouth.

While he recited them, he was only While he recited them, he was only being used as a mouthpiece of being used as a mouthpiece of God, like the "speaker" in the God, like the "speaker" in the radio. radio.

This data material was This data material was programmed into his own, God-programmed into his own, God-given, computer, into his heart given, computer, into his heart and mind a decade earlier in and mind a decade earlier in Makkah, under identical Makkah, under identical circumstances. circumstances.

The foregoing is a perfect example of how The foregoing is a perfect example of how God Almighty sent His revelation to his God Almighty sent His revelation to his chosen Messenger – by verbal chosen Messenger – by verbal inspiration – and how His Messenger inspiration – and how His Messenger had it protected and preserved, and had it protected and preserved, and how His human mouthpiece used and how His human mouthpiece used and re-used that Message, and how we, the re-used that Message, and how we, the followers of the Prophet (PBUH), are to followers of the Prophet (PBUH), are to have that Message imbibed to use it at have that Message imbibed to use it at every opportunity.every opportunity.

In the religious literature of the In the religious literature of the world there is nothing to compare world there is nothing to compare with even this short chapter of with even this short chapter of Sura IkhlasSura Ikhlas quoted above! quoted above!

If this chapter 112 is the acid test of If this chapter 112 is the acid test of theology – God's concentrated theology – God's concentrated word, then the rest of the Qur'anic word, then the rest of the Qur'anic text is its explanation, with which text is its explanation, with which we are to discover the Qualities of we are to discover the Qualities of God, and avoid the pitfalls into God, and avoid the pitfalls into which men and nations have fallen which men and nations have fallen repeatedly in trying to understand repeatedly in trying to understand God.God.

At that time he was being prodded At that time he was being prodded by the Jews who were trying to by the Jews who were trying to trip him on the subject of the trip him on the subject of the "identity and genealogy of "identity and genealogy of God".God". Not unlike the Pharisees of Not unlike the Pharisees of old who were dogging the old who were dogging the footsteps of Jesus, their waited footsteps of Jesus, their waited Messiah (PBUH).Messiah (PBUH).

CHAPTER FIVECHAPTER FIVE

God - Unique In His God - Unique In His Attributes Attributes

God Almighty is absolutely unique God Almighty is absolutely unique in His Person and in His in His Person and in His Attributes. Attributes.

In no way is he to be compared, or In no way is he to be compared, or comparable, with any other comparable, with any other person or thing that we know or person or thing that we know or can imagine. can imagine.

In the last verse of the In the last verse of the Sura Sura quoted in the preceding chapter, quoted in the preceding chapter, we are reminded that not only we are reminded that not only "Is "Is nothing like Him, but nothing nothing like Him, but nothing is in the likeness of Him that is in the likeness of Him that can be imagined".can be imagined".

Then how can we know Him? Then how can we know Him?

We will realize him We will realize him

through His through His AttributesAttributes..

The last and Final Revelation of The last and Final Revelation of God – the Holy Qur'an – gives us God – the Holy Qur'an – gives us ninety-nine Attributres of God ninety-nine Attributres of God with the crowning name – with the crowning name –

ALLAH!ALLAH!

These ninety-nine attributes or These ninety-nine attributes or names called the names called the Asma-ul-husnaAsma-ul-husna (the Most Beautiful names) are (the Most Beautiful names) are interspersed throughout the whole interspersed throughout the whole Qur'anic text, like a beautiful Qur'anic text, like a beautiful necklace of pearls with a necklace of pearls with a magnificent pendant – magnificent pendant –

AllahAllah..

Here is a sample segment of that necklace:Here is a sample segment of that necklace:

““HE IS ALLAH, HE IS ALLAH, BESIDES WHOM THERE IS NO BESIDES WHOM THERE IS NO OTHER GOD, OTHER GOD, THE SOVEREIGN, THE HOLY ONE, THE SOVEREIGN, THE HOLY ONE,

THE SOURCE OF PEACE (AND THE SOURCE OF PEACE (AND PERFECTION), PERFECTION), THE GUARDIAN OF FAITH, THE GUARDIAN OF FAITH, THE PRESERVER OF SAFETY,THE PRESERVER OF SAFETY,

““THE EXALTED IN MIGHT, THE EXALTED IN MIGHT, THE IRRESISTIBLE,THE SUPREME:THE IRRESISTIBLE,THE SUPREME:GLORY TO ALLAH: (HIGH IS HE)GLORY TO ALLAH: (HIGH IS HE)ABOVE THE PARTNERS THEYABOVE THE PARTNERS THEYASCRIBE TO HIM,ASCRIBE TO HIM,HE IS ALLAH, THE CREATOR, HE IS ALLAH, THE CREATOR, THE EVOLVER, THE BESTOWER THE EVOLVER, THE BESTOWER OF FORMS (OR COLOURS).OF FORMS (OR COLOURS).

““TO HIM BELONG THETO HIM BELONG THEMOST BEAUTIFUL NAMES:MOST BEAUTIFUL NAMES:ALL THAT IS IN THE HEAVENS ALL THAT IS IN THE HEAVENS AND THE EARTH,AND THE EARTH,DOTH DECLARE HIS PRAISE DOTH DECLARE HIS PRAISE AND GLORY:AND GLORY:AND HE IS THE EXALTEDAND HE IS THE EXALTEDIN MIGHT, THE WISE.”IN MIGHT, THE WISE.”

(SURA HASHR) Noble(SURA HASHR) Noble Qur'an 59:23-24 Qur'an 59:23-24[English interpretation by A. Yusuf Ali][English interpretation by A. Yusuf Ali]

"THE MOST BEAUTIFUL "THE MOST BEAUTIFUL NAMES"NAMES"

In the two verses quoted above, we In the two verses quoted above, we count thirteen of the ninety-nine count thirteen of the ninety-nine attributes interspersed attributes interspersed throughout the Holy Qur'an. throughout the Holy Qur'an.

Even the most jaundiced and Even the most jaundiced and inimical opponent of Islam will be inimical opponent of Islam will be forced to admit that, even in its forced to admit that, even in its translated form, the attributes translated form, the attributes and the phraseology are beautiful and the phraseology are beautiful and unique. and unique.

In its original Arabic, the In its original Arabic, the wordings and their wordings and their

construction are construction are absolutely inimitable and absolutely inimitable and

sublime.sublime.

How could an How could an ummiummi, and , and unlettered person, among an unlettered person, among an ummiummi -unlearned nation -unlearned nation cognitive such a rhapsody of God cognitive such a rhapsody of God fourteen hundred years ago? fourteen hundred years ago?

We must remember that there We must remember that there were no encyclopaedias or were no encyclopaedias or treatises that Muhammad (PBUH) treatises that Muhammad (PBUH) could consult even if they were could consult even if they were lying around in the deserts of lying around in the deserts of Arabia. Arabia.

From where, then, did Muhammad From where, then, did Muhammad (PBUH) get this treasure trove of (PBUH) get this treasure trove of theology? theology?

He said, He said, "It is all given to me by "It is all given to me by God through inspiration!"God through inspiration!"

How else can we account for it?How else can we account for it?

It would be a good experiment to ask It would be a good experiment to ask the most learned of our learned the most learned of our learned friends to conjure up some attributes friends to conjure up some attributes of God for us. of God for us.

I assure you that with all their I assure you that with all their acquired knowledge the professors acquired knowledge the professors of theology and the doctors of of theology and the doctors of divinity will not be able to recount divinity will not be able to recount even a dozen. even a dozen.

The worldly-wise will say that The worldly-wise will say that “You “You see, Muhammad was a see, Muhammad was a genius, and after all a genius genius, and after all a genius can can excel ten times better excel ten times better than us!” than us!”

To which we respond: “It is true that To which we respond: “It is true that a genius can do ten times better a genius can do ten times better than us. The Prophet (PBUH) gave than us. The Prophet (PBUH) gave us ninety-nine attributes, but what us ninety-nine attributes, but what makes his list makes his list MIRACULOUSMIRACULOUS and and DIVINE DIVINE is the one he left out of is the one he left out of his list.” his list.”

The word The word “Father”, “Father”, that is Miracle! that is Miracle!

THE FATHER IN THE FATHER IN HEAVEN HEAVEN

In our human list, no contributor will In our human list, no contributor will fail to utter the word FATHER in the fail to utter the word FATHER in the first half-a-dozen attributes. The first half-a-dozen attributes. The miracle of Muhammad’s (PBUH) list miracle of Muhammad’s (PBUH) list is not the “ninety-nine”.is not the “ninety-nine”.

[This is [This is not not Muhammad's list. The Qur'an is Muhammad's list. The Qur'an is notnot his handiwork. I am using these his handiwork. I am using these terms in a manner of speaking to the terms in a manner of speaking to the unbeliever.]unbeliever.]

It is but this particular one which he It is but this particular one which he (?) kept out of his (?) Qur’an. (?) kept out of his (?) Qur’an.

The word The word “father” “father” as an attribute as an attribute of God was dangled before him of God was dangled before him for the twenty-three years of his for the twenty-three years of his prophetic life. He eschewed it. prophetic life. He eschewed it.

He kept it out of his vocabulary He kept it out of his vocabulary (consciously or unconsciously) for (consciously or unconsciously) for over two decades, and hence out over two decades, and hence out of the theology of Islam.of the theology of Islam.

You have a right to ask me, “What You have a right to ask me, “What about the Christians’ Lord’s Prayer?” about the Christians’ Lord’s Prayer?” Yes, what about it? Read it Mr Yes, what about it? Read it Mr Deedat! So I read:Deedat! So I read:

““0 our father which art0 our father which art In heaven, In heaven, hallowedhallowed be thy name; thy be thy name; thy kingdom come, thy will be done kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.”on earth as it is in heaven.”

““What is wrong with that?” you ask. What is wrong with that?” you ask. “Nothing!” “Nothing!”

Then why are the Muslims so allergic to it? Then why are the Muslims so allergic to it? I am not so jaundiced as our opponents. I am not so jaundiced as our opponents.

We have to acknowledge that the We have to acknowledge that the Christian prayer is a beautiful prayer but Christian prayer is a beautiful prayer but there are certain deficiencies in it. there are certain deficiencies in it.

You see my child will never ever learn You see my child will never ever learn God’s name through this prayer. What is God’s name through this prayer. What is His Name? His Name?

What is His Name? What is His Name?

In all the twenty-seven books of the In all the twenty-seven books of the New Testament God’s name does New Testament God’s name does not occur even once! not occur even once!

““Father” Father” is given here as a is given here as a substitute. substitute.

This is not His Name! This is not His Name!

As an attribute, meaning — Lord, As an attribute, meaning — Lord, God, Creator, Provider, I can take God, Creator, Provider, I can take no exception to it. no exception to it. “The loving “The loving Father in Heaven. O our Father in Heaven. O our Heavenly Father!” Heavenly Father!” etc. etc.

We Muslims take exception to the We Muslims take exception to the new meaning, the acquired new meaning, the acquired connotation of the word connotation of the word Father.Father.

ONLY BEGOTTEN SON ONLY BEGOTTEN SON ETC.ETC.

In Christian theology, this simple, In Christian theology, this simple, innocent word “Father” has innocent word “Father” has acquired a novel meaning. acquired a novel meaning.

He is, according to Christianity, the He is, according to Christianity, the One Who One Who BEGOT BEGOT the son Jesus. the son Jesus.

They say in their catechism,They say in their catechism,

““Jesus is the very God of very God, Jesus is the very God of very God, begottenbegotten of the Father, of the Father, begottenbegotten NOT made.” NOT made.”

If words have any meaning, what If words have any meaning, what does this mean? Of course it does this mean? Of course it means what it says! means what it says!

God has many sons according to God has many sons according to the Holy Bible. Adam, Israel, the Holy Bible. Adam, Israel, Ephraim, David, Solomon, etc ... Ephraim, David, Solomon, etc ...

But all these are metaphorical sons.But all these are metaphorical sons.God Almighty as the Creator and God Almighty as the Creator and

Cherisher is metaphorically the Cherisher is metaphorically the father of His every creature; father of His every creature; every animal or human being. every animal or human being.

But Jesus (PBUH), the Christians But Jesus (PBUH), the Christians say, is not like these. say, is not like these.

He was He was BEGOTTENBEGOTTEN, not , not MADE!MADE!

This according to Islam is the most This according to Islam is the most abominable utterance, attributing abominable utterance, attributing

to God an animal nature — the to God an animal nature — the lower animal function of sex!lower animal function of sex!

MEANINGS CHANGEMEANINGS CHANGE

In the beginning the word “Father” In the beginning the word “Father” for God did not carry any for God did not carry any blasphemous associations, but blasphemous associations, but words do change in their words do change in their meanings at times. I will give you meanings at times. I will give you just two as examples: just two as examples: ““ComradeComrade” and “” and “gaygay.”.”

““Comrade”: Comrade”: originally a beautiful originally a beautiful and innocent word, meaning - aand innocent word, meaning - a friend, an associate or a friend, an associate or a companion; derived from the Old companion; derived from the Old French French comrade, comrade, roommate or roommate or soldier sharing the same room. soldier sharing the same room.

But today the same word stinks in But today the same word stinks in the nostrils of the Americans as a the nostrils of the Americans as a “commy”, a communist, a “commy”, a communist, a member of the Marxist-Leninist member of the Marxist-Leninist party, any radical veiwed as a party, any radical veiwed as a subversive or revolutionary who subversive or revolutionary who should be eliminated as a pest or should be eliminated as a pest or parasite. parasite.

If any foolish friend addresses you If any foolish friend addresses you today as COMRADE in the United today as COMRADE in the United States, he could jeopardize your States, he could jeopardize your career, as well as your life!career, as well as your life!

"Gay:""Gay:" What is wrong with this What is wrong with this word? Nothing at all! I learnt this word? Nothing at all! I learnt this word in my early schooling as word in my early schooling as showing or characterized by showing or characterized by cheerfulness cheerfulness and and light-hearted light-hearted excitementexcitement; a merry person. ; a merry person.

I was taught to sing – I was taught to sing – "GENTLE LORDS AND LADIES GAY "GENTLE LORDS AND LADIES GAY

ON THE MOUNTAIN DAWNS THE ON THE MOUNTAIN DAWNS THE DAY".DAY".

I have forgotten the balance of the I have forgotten the balance of the poem. poem.

Here, I understood the meaning of Here, I understood the meaning of the word "gay" to mean the word "gay" to mean happyhappy and and joyous.joyous.

I did not have the slightest inkling I did not have the slightest inkling that one day such an innocuous that one day such an innocuous word which children learn at word which children learn at school would in time acquire a school would in time acquire a filthy, dirty meaning of being filthy, dirty meaning of being homosexual: sodomites and homosexual: sodomites and catamites in its very primary catamites in its very primary sense. sense.

So, "LADIES GAY" would mean So, "LADIES GAY" would mean today – LADIES LESBIAN! today – LADIES LESBIAN!

In like manner the respectable In like manner the respectable word "Father" has become word "Father" has become contaminated by the belief of – contaminated by the belief of – "the only BEGOTTEN of the "the only BEGOTTEN of the father!"father!" etc. etc.

RABB OR ABB?RABB OR ABB?

God Almighty through Muhammad God Almighty through Muhammad (PBUH) has protected Islam and (PBUH) has protected Islam and the Muslims by keeping the word the Muslims by keeping the word "Father," "Father," (ABB)(ABB) for God, out of its for God, out of its religious vocabulary. religious vocabulary.

It is a miraculous fact that though It is a miraculous fact that though the Holy Qur'an lists 99 attributes the Holy Qur'an lists 99 attributes to God, including the word to God, including the word RABBRABB which means – Lord, Cherisher, which means – Lord, Cherisher, Sustainer, Evolver, etc, (this Sustainer, Evolver, etc, (this attribute attribute RabbRabb occurs dozens of occurs dozens of times in the Book of God) - times in the Book of God) -

But the easier word But the easier word AbbAbb, meaning , meaning "Father" in Arabic and in Hebrew, "Father" in Arabic and in Hebrew, is not used even once. is not used even once.

Thus preserving the Muslims from Thus preserving the Muslims from the blasphemy of the only the blasphemy of the only BEGOTTEN son! BEGOTTEN son!

To whom must we give credit for To whom must we give credit for this feat: this feat:

Allah or Muhammad (PBUH)? Allah or Muhammad (PBUH)?

The Holy Prophet (PBUH) disclaims The Holy Prophet (PBUH) disclaims any credit, always saying that all any credit, always saying that all this is given to him by inspiration.this is given to him by inspiration.

The words ye hear are not his.The words ye hear are not his.

They are They are God's WordGod's Word as dictated as dictated to him!to him!

CHAPTER SIX CHAPTER SIX

Solving ControversySolving Controversy

The Holy Qur’an is one huge Miracle. The Holy Qur’an is one huge Miracle. It is a Book of Miracles which may be It is a Book of Miracles which may be

expounded from innumerable points expounded from innumerable points of views. of views.

I have tried from some simple aspects I have tried from some simple aspects to share with you that which I, as a to share with you that which I, as a layman was enthralled with. layman was enthralled with.

There is no end to this research. There is no end to this research.

I leave this task to my more I leave this task to my more learned brethren, and the erudite learned brethren, and the erudite scholars of Islam. scholars of Islam.

May I live to see their efforts. May I live to see their efforts.

Let me end with this, my final Let me end with this, my final example, for this short example, for this short publication.publication.

CALL TO SWAZILANDCALL TO SWAZILAND

A few years ago, a controversy A few years ago, a controversy arose in Swaziland. King Sobuza arose in Swaziland. King Sobuza lost his Queen elect. The Christian lost his Queen elect. The Christian Churches in the country began Churches in the country began quibbling on the subject of the quibbling on the subject of the period of waiting before a man period of waiting before a man can remarry. can remarry.

It was not such a serious problem It was not such a serious problem for discussion because the King for discussion because the King still had eight more wives. So the still had eight more wives. So the topic changed to topic changed to “How long “How long must a woman wait if her must a woman wait if her husband dies.”husband dies.”

As the debate was raging furiously As the debate was raging furiously in the tiny Kingdom, the in the tiny Kingdom, the benevolent King ordered a synod benevolent King ordered a synod of all the Churches in the country of all the Churches in the country to thrash out the problem.to thrash out the problem.

Mr. Moosa Borman, a Swazi brother Mr. Moosa Borman, a Swazi brother who had embraced Islam, sought who had embraced Islam, sought permission from the King to have permission from the King to have his “Church” (Islam) also his “Church” (Islam) also represented in the debate. represented in the debate.

With the King’s blessings, I too was With the King’s blessings, I too was honoured to attend the honoured to attend the discussion.discussion.

One Sunday morning, in the King’s One Sunday morning, in the King’s kraal, representatives of the kraal, representatives of the various denominations of various denominations of Christianity gathered to arrive at Christianity gathered to arrive at some consensus on the period of some consensus on the period of widowhood.widowhood.

Speaker after speaker delivered his Speaker after speaker delivered his discourse. God Almighty had gifted discourse. God Almighty had gifted the African, each and everyone is the African, each and everyone is a potential Billy Graham or Jimmy a potential Billy Graham or Jimmy Swaggart!Swaggart!

At the end of each sermon the At the end of each sermon the audience applauded enthusiastically. audience applauded enthusiastically.

The next speaker came and he The next speaker came and he brushed off his predecessor with the brushed off his predecessor with the expression expression "paalish""paalish" (meaning (meaning porridge), implying rubbish, porridge), implying rubbish, garbage! And performed to garbage! And performed to resounding applause. resounding applause.

From morning to evening the From morning to evening the performance went on. Around 5 performance went on. Around 5 p.m. my turn came. p.m. my turn came.

With the volume of the Holy Qur'an With the volume of the Holy Qur'an you see on the cover of this you see on the cover of this booklet, in my hands, I began, booklet, in my hands, I began,

"From morning till night, we have "From morning till night, we have been fumbling for an answer, as been fumbling for an answer, as to how long is a woman to wait to how long is a woman to wait before remarrying after the before remarrying after the demise of her husband: demise of her husband:

and we have heard what the Old and we have heard what the Old Testament says and what the Testament says and what the New Testament says, New Testament says, a-n-da-n-d what what the New Testament says and the New Testament says and what the Old Testament says, but what the Old Testament says, but we have not yet got the answer! we have not yet got the answer!

Because the solution to our Because the solution to our problem is in the -problem is in the -

"LAST TESTAMENT""LAST TESTAMENT"

““The LAST The LAST TESTAMENT"TESTAMENT"

"The Last Testament" was a "The Last Testament" was a bombshell for the Christian priests bombshell for the Christian priests and preachers. They had never and preachers. They had never heard the expression THE LAST heard the expression THE LAST TETAMENT in their lives. "Quoting TETAMENT in their lives. "Quoting OLD and NEW, NEW, and OLD will OLD and NEW, NEW, and OLD will not help because the answer is in not help because the answer is in the LAST TESTAMENT of God to the LAST TESTAMENT of God to mankind!" mankind!"

I brandished the Book above my I brandished the Book above my head, and read only the English of head, and read only the English of the Holy Qur'an, chapter 2 verse the Holy Qur'an, chapter 2 verse 234. a reference which is very 234. a reference which is very easy to remember – 2:234. easy to remember – 2:234.

Just Just

22342234!!

““If any of you die and leave widows If any of you die and leave widows behind, behind,

They shall wait concerning They shall wait concerning themselvesthemselvesFour months and ten days:Four months and ten days:

When they have fulfilled their term,When they have fulfilled their term,There is no blame on youThere is no blame on you

If they dispose of themselves in a If they dispose of themselves in a just and reasonable manner,just and reasonable manner,

And God is well acquainted with And God is well acquainted with what ye do”what ye do”

(SURA BAQARAH) (SURA BAQARAH) Holy Qur'an 2:234Holy Qur'an 2:234[English interpretation by A. Yusuf Ali][English interpretation by A. Yusuf Ali]

I asked the audience, "FOUR I asked the audience, "FOUR MONTHS AND TEN DAYS, do you MONTHS AND TEN DAYS, do you need any interpretation!?" need any interpretation!?"

They all answered in chorus, "NO!" They all answered in chorus, "NO!"

I explained to the learned clergy I explained to the learned clergy the wisdom behind the period of the wisdom behind the period of "four months and ten days". "four months and ten days".

In the preceding verses, in this Last In the preceding verses, in this Last and Final Testament of God, we and Final Testament of God, we are told about the period of are told about the period of waiting after divorce:waiting after divorce:

““Divorced women shall waitDivorced women shall waitconcerning themselvesconcerning themselvesfor three monthly periods …”for three monthly periods …”

(SURA BAQARA) (SURA BAQARA) Holy Qur'an 2:228Holy Qur'an 2:228[English interpretation by A. Yusuf Ali][English interpretation by A. Yusuf Ali]

This is in order to see that the This is in order to see that the marriage conditionally dissolved marriage conditionally dissolved was likely to result in an issue. was likely to result in an issue.

Whereas in the case of widowhood Whereas in the case of widowhood an extra period of one month and an extra period of one month and ten days are prescribed. ten days are prescribed.

Very logical everyone will agree.Very logical everyone will agree.

But what is miraculous about all But what is miraculous about all this? this?

Any wise man could have guessed Any wise man could have guessed these 3 months period after these 3 months period after divorce and 4 months and ten divorce and 4 months and ten days after the demise of the days after the demise of the husband. husband.

Muhammad's (PBUH) guess is as Muhammad's (PBUH) guess is as good as anybody else's! good as anybody else's!

This is true, but the proof that all This is true, but the proof that all this healthy useful teaching is not this healthy useful teaching is not Muhammad's (PBUH) handiwork is Muhammad's (PBUH) handiwork is in the verse following the 4 in the verse following the 4 months and ten days period:months and ten days period:

““There is no blame on you There is no blame on you if ye make an offer of if ye make an offer of betrothalbetrothal

Or hold it in your hearts.Or hold it in your hearts.

God knows that ye cherishGod knows that ye cherish

them in your hearts:them in your hearts:

““But do not enter into But do not enter into a secret contract with them a secret contract with themexcept in terms honourable,except in terms honourable,

Nor resolve on the tie of marriage Nor resolve on the tie of marriage till the term prescribed is till the term prescribed is fulfilled.”fulfilled.”

(SURA BAQARAH) (SURA BAQARAH) Holy Qur'an 2:235Holy Qur'an 2:235[English interpretation by A. Yusuf Ali][English interpretation by A. Yusuf Ali]

GOD'S FINGERPRINTGOD'S FINGERPRINT

"Do not resolve to the tying of the "Do not resolve to the tying of the marriage knot till the fixed period marriage knot till the fixed period of waiting is over".of waiting is over".

This is not Muhammad’s (PBUH) This is not Muhammad’s (PBUH) cleverness! cleverness!

This is the Wisdom of the All-Wise This is the Wisdom of the All-Wise God.God.

The Omniscient Creator knows the The Omniscient Creator knows the weaknesses of his creatures. weaknesses of his creatures.

Man in his greed and cupidity will Man in his greed and cupidity will take unfair advantage of the poor take unfair advantage of the poor distraught widow.distraught widow.

She has just lost her backbone and She has just lost her backbone and support the breadwinner. support the breadwinner.

She has a number of little mouths She has a number of little mouths to feed and she has also perhaps to feed and she has also perhaps lost her looks, and value in the lost her looks, and value in the marriage market has diminished. marriage market has diminished.

She is likely to clutch at any straw. She is likely to clutch at any straw.

In her emotional, unsettled In her emotional, unsettled condition when a predator makes condition when a predator makes the proposal. In her haste and the proposal. In her haste and insecurity she might readily insecurity she might readily accept. accept.

The Master Psychologist (not The Master Psychologist (not Muhammad (pbuh) ) is fully aware Muhammad (pbuh) ) is fully aware of all the snares laid by men. of all the snares laid by men.

Hence the warning – Hence the warning – "NO "NO CONTRACT until the CONTRACT until the appointed term is fulfilled!"appointed term is fulfilled!"

The The 'iddah''iddah' [ ['Iddah''Iddah': period of : period of waiting after divorce or after waiting after divorce or after bereavement.]bereavement.]

after a divorce is three months. after a divorce is three months.

Here she is given an extra 40 days Here she is given an extra 40 days to regain her equilibrium and to regain her equilibrium and equanimity. equanimity.

In the meantime, if suggestions of In the meantime, if suggestions of marriage had come, she would marriage had come, she would have the opportunity of discussing have the opportunity of discussing the matter dispassionately wit her the matter dispassionately wit her friends and relatives. friends and relatives.

She could avoid the pitfalls of a hasty She could avoid the pitfalls of a hasty acceptance with a long drawn out acceptance with a long drawn out and painful development.and painful development.

Did Muhammad (PBUH) think and Did Muhammad (PBUH) think and work out all these ramifications in work out all these ramifications in the desert fourteen hundred the desert fourteen hundred years ago? years ago?

Alas, you give him too much credit! Alas, you give him too much credit!

He is made to repeat again and He is made to repeat again and again that the Qur‘anic Wisdom is again that the Qur‘anic Wisdom is not of his making, not of his making, “It is no less “It is no less than an inspiration sent down than an inspiration sent down to him” to him” [Holy Qur'an 53:4] by his [Holy Qur'an 53:4] by his Benevolent Creator. Benevolent Creator.

If you still doubt his testimony then If you still doubt his testimony then meet his challenge. meet his challenge.

He is made to say:He is made to say:"SAY: IF THE WHOLE OF MANKIND "SAY: IF THE WHOLE OF MANKIND

AND JINNS WERE TO GATHER AND JINNS WERE TO GATHER TOGETHER TOGETHER TO PRODUCE THE LIKE OF THIS TO PRODUCE THE LIKE OF THIS QUR’AN, QUR’AN, THEY COULD NOT PRODUCE THE THEY COULD NOT PRODUCE THE LIKE THEREOF, LIKE THEREOF, EVEN IF THEY BACKED UP EACH EVEN IF THEY BACKED UP EACH OTHER OTHER WITH HELP AND SUPPORT".WITH HELP AND SUPPORT".

(SURA al-Israa’) (SURA al-Israa’) Holy Qur'an 17:88Holy Qur'an 17:88[English interpretation by A. Yusuf Ali][English interpretation by A. Yusuf Ali]

The world is challenged to produce a The world is challenged to produce a Book like the Holy Qur'an and has not Book like the Holy Qur'an and has not produced one in fourteen centuries. produced one in fourteen centuries.

The Arab Christians who boast a The Arab Christians who boast a population of 15 million today, not to population of 15 million today, not to be out done, have produced the be out done, have produced the Christian gospels in Qur'anic style. Christian gospels in Qur'anic style.

They have plagiarized the Holy Qur'an They have plagiarized the Holy Qur'an by stealing words and phrases and by stealing words and phrases and even the style, not forgetting the even the style, not forgetting the Bismillah!Bismillah!

Plagiarize: To steal and use (the ideas Plagiarize: To steal and use (the ideas or writings of another) as one's own.or writings of another) as one's own.

Bismillah: The formula – "In the Name Bismillah: The formula – "In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful", with which each chapter Merciful", with which each chapter of the Noble Qur'an begins. of the Noble Qur'an begins.

Every chapter of their most modern Every chapter of their most modern invention begins with the first invention begins with the first verse of the Qur'anic Revelation. verse of the Qur'anic Revelation.

You have to see it to believe it. You have to see it to believe it.

Here is another proof, if proof was Here is another proof, if proof was needed that the Qur'an is needed that the Qur'an is inimitable. Try as you might. the inimitable. Try as you might. the challenge still stands. challenge still stands.

The Holy Qur'an is God's Word The Holy Qur'an is God's Word revealed to Muhammad (PBUH) revealed to Muhammad (PBUH)

and it is the Miracle of and it is the Miracle of Miracles!Miracles!

"AND A MIRACLE INDEED IT IS!""AND A MIRACLE INDEED IT IS!"

Rev. Bosworth SmithRev. Bosworth Smith